Fisher House Wisconsin News
Summer 2025 Fisher House Wisconsin Newsletter
Where Love Stayed: One Couple’s Journey Through Fisher House
Lottie never expected to become a full-time caregiver. But she had also never been one to walk away from a fight, especially when it came to someone she loved.
Growing up on a farm surrounded by horses, Lottie was riding by the age of six and fully immersed in the rodeo life before she even hit her teens. It was during those early years that she and Robert briefly crossed paths at a Fourth Baptist private school. Ironically, it wasn’t Robert who made the biggest impression back then, it was his brother who sat behind Lottie and often pulled her hair. That memory would later come back to life with laughter when Robert brought Lottie home for Christmas to meet his parents.
Packers Tailgate Tour bus makes stop at the Milwaukee Fisher House
It was a stop to remember on a long journey for many staying at the Fisher House at the Zablocki VA Hospital.
"We've been here about two months now, and it's helped us be with him to help him get through his chemo," Scott Schwendeman said.
Schwendeman and his son Blake dropped everything a few months ago. They traveled from Colorado to Milwaukee when their Uncle John Hartman, a Vietnam veteran, was diagnosed with leukemia. They never expected who would be visiting them on Wednesday.
The Packers Tailgate Tour bus was packed with legends who brought gifts and joy to help families get through their tough times.
"I'm amazed, you know, like, I'm kind of blown away right now. I kind of-- I'm in my head, and I can't believe this. Like, this is really cool. You know, hearing stories about all these great players," Blake Schwendeman said.
Former Packers offensive lineman Marco Rivera said stories like Hartman's make this tour special.
Notice from the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital
We are thrilled to share a major milestone in our mission to support military and veteran families. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a proposed site for the future Madison VA Fisher House—south of Airport Road at the northeast corner of Deming Way and Nursery Drive in Middleton, WI. While this location is not yet final, this marks a huge step forward in expanding our impact in Wisconsin!
VA Announcement
As part of the planning process, the VA is conducting a public consultation in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act. If you have any information about historic properties or archaeological sites near the proposed location, or if you’d like to comment on the potential effects of this project, please reach out to:
Alec Bennett, VA Senior Historic Preservation Specialist
alec.bennett@va.gov
Deadline: April 3, 2025, at 5:00 PM Central Time
The VA and Fisher House Wisconsin will continue to share updates as this project develops. No matter the final location, the Madison VA Fisher House will be an incredible asset to the community, offering comfort and care to those who have sacrificed so much for our nation.
Thank you for your continued support in making this possible. Together, we are ensuring that military and veteran families always have a place to stay close to their loved ones in times of need.
Winter 2024 Fisher House Wisconsin Newsletter
As we close out another remarkable year at Fisher House Wisconsin, I find myself reflecting on all that we’ve accomplished together in 2024. It’s been a year filled with progress, community, and hope for the future.
Madison VA Fisher House Update
I am thrilled to share an exciting update on the Madison VA Fisher House. Earlier this year, the Madison VA Medical Center made an offer on a piece of land for the new house. egotiations are still underway, and while there is some red tape to navigate, things are moving in the right direction. The leadership team at the Madison VA is fully committed to this project, ensuring
Fisher House Wisconsin Names Steven Rose as Executive Director
Steven Rose
Milwaukee, WI – May 6, 2024 – Fisher House Wisconsin proudly announces the hiring of Steven Rose as its new Executive Director. With a distinguished background in serving the veteran community and a demonstrated history of fundraising and community engagement, Steven brings a wealth of expertise to his new role.
Throughout his career, Steven has displayed an unwavering commitment to supporting veterans and their families. As the Outreach Coordinator at Fisher House Michigan in Ann Arbor, he orchestrated impactful events, managed communication strategies, and led the Fisher House Michigan Ambassadors Program. His dedication to raising awareness and fostering community engagement was instrumental in advancing the mission of Fisher House Michigan.
Steven’s professional journey is marked by a diverse range of experiences, including serving as a Medical Assistant at MDVIP and proudly serving in the United States Air Force. His leadership roles and hands-on experience have equipped him with invaluable skills in strategic planning, relationship building, and team management.
“I am deeply honored to join Fisher House Wisconsin as the Executive Director," said Rose. "Having dedicated the latest chapter in my career to serving veterans and their families, I am excited to lead initiatives that enhance the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our country – especially the establishing of a Fisher House in Madison. Fisher House Wisconsin plays a vital role in providing support and comfort to military families, and I am committed to advancing its mission.”
As Executive Director, Steven will oversee all aspects of Fisher House Wisconsin's operations, including fundraising, community outreach, and program development. His vision and passion for serving the veteran community will guide the organization in expanding its impact and reach throughout Wisconsin.
“We are thrilled to welcome Steven Rose as the new Executive Director of Fisher House Wisconsin," said Angie Christianson, Fisher House Wisconsin President. "His addition to our Fisher House Wisconsin team will bolster our commitment to our veterans across the state – especially as we work to have the next Fisher House built in Madison. We are confident that with his dedication to this role, Fisher House Wisconsin will continue to thrive and make a meaningful difference in the lives of military families.”
Rose officially assumed his role as Executive Director of Fisher House Wisconsin on Monday, May 6th.
Summer 2024 Fisher House Wisconsin Newsletter
This summer marks a significant chapter for Fisher House Wisconsin as we continue our mission to support military and veteran families. We are thrilled to announce progress on Wisconsin’s second Fisher House, which will serve the VA Medical Center in Madison. We are also excited to introduce Steven Rose as our new Executive Director. Steven brings a wealth of experience and dedication to our mission.
Winter 2023 Fisher House Wisconsin Newsletter
The Fisher House Wisconsin Winter Newsletter includes a touching tribute to the memory of Ryan Jerabek, and the efforts of his family to continue supporting FHW in honor of his memory. You will also learn about exciting additions to the Board of Directors and our various activities throughout the year.
Summer 2023 Fisher House Wisconsin Newsletter
Check out Fisher House Wisconsin's Summer 2023 news! Learn about our Board of Directors, the story of a family's courage in the face of adversity, and more. View the full newsletter here.
Winter 2022 Fisher House Wisconsin Newsletter
In this edition, we honor long-time volunteer Bob Prill, detail the generous charitable donation from Thomas Cobb, recount the story of Anthony Benavidaz and his family’s stay at FHW, and more. View the full newsletter here.
Spring 2022 Fisher House Wisconsin Newsletter
Read the touching story Former Fisher House Board member Jorge (George) Hidalgo, a Gold Star Family member - whose son Daren was killed in action. You will also learn about the Navy League of the United States-Madison Council, about donor Jay Ehrfurth who is the Vice President in the Energy and Industrial division at Boldt, and more. View the full newsletter here.
Winter 2021 Fisher House Wisconsin Newsletter
In this edition you will learn about the Station Pub & Grill that dedicated years of fundraising efforts to Fisher House Wisconsin, read about the McKeown family who host the Colonel’s Cup golf outing to benefit FHW, and enjoy the story of Dorothy Bearss and her family’s legacy gift to FHW. To view the full newsletter and read all of the stories, please click here.
Spring 2021 Fisher House Wisconsin Newsletter
In this edition you will learn about TC Energy Foundation’s support of FHW, Burn Pit BBQ’s fundraising efforts on behalf of FHW, the plans for a second Fisher House Wisconsin in Madison, and meet our volunteer Kathy Schroeder. To view the full newsletter, please click here.
Second Fisher House Wisconsin Prioritized for Madison VA Grounds.
At the end of 2020, VA Secretary Robert Wilkie prioritized the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital as a future site for a Fisher House construction project. Fisher House Wisconsin will collaborate with the staff at the Madison VA to help make the Fisher House a reality. View the full press release here.
Awards and Accolades
The Mission of Fisher House Wisconsin
Fisher House Wisconsin - Madison
Fox News Coverage of 2022 Big Unit Poker Run
Wacker Neuson more than $100,000 to the Fisher House Of Wisconsin
Founder and former Board Member and Fisher House President Dan Buttery discusses FHW
Building the first Fisher House in Wisconsin at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center
Former Ms. Racine Adopts Fisher House Wisconsin