By Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Wisconsin Brother Joseph E. Thompson
I can’t believe the months of July, and half of August have come and gone! It seems like just yesterday I began this journey in the East. July started with our regular Lodge meeting at Olive Branch on July 1. It was a small gathering considering people were preparing for the holiday weekend. It doesn’t matter about the number of people; it’s the quality of fellowship among those who attend.
Then I traveled to Jefferson on July 3rd for a wreath laying presentation at a local cemetery. What a beautiful ceremony. I was privileged to be able to take part in this beautiful ceremony, topped off with Taps and a 21-gun salute.
At the completion of the ceremony, I traveled to Jefferson County Lodge No. 9 for an evening of fun, food, and fellowship. Those in attendance had front row seating to watch an amazing display of fireworks at the Jefferson Fairgrounds which adjoins the Lodge’s property.
As we honored our nation’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, I spent the day helping Amicitia Lodge No. 25 at its Fried Cheese Curd Stand. The sale of Curd was shut down early due to a thunderstorm; however, the fireworks went on as planned, making it a very long day.
I had a chance to get caught up on some lawn work around the house for a couple of days, before attending a Golf Outing in Monroe, sponsored by Smith Lodge No. 31 on July 10th. Another fantastic day of Fellowship and Fun was had by all in attendance.
The following day, Lady Julie and I travelled to Madison to catch our flight to Tampa for Shriners International Imperial Session. After spending six hours at the airport due to delays, we finally made it to Atlanta only to have missed not only one, but two connecting flights. We managed to land in Tampa just before midnight. What a fantastic time we had meeting some of our long-time acquaintances as well as meeting new. Chief Rabban Ron Malcom and his Lady Dawn, along with Assistant Rabban Mike Kastens and Lady Susan made us feel very welcome with the Zor Shriners Family. I was one of thirty-eight Grand Masters in attendance. As I walked across the stage, I could hear the chants from Zor Divan, led by Illustrate Sir Steve Livernash. I was greeted by Imperial Sir Brad Koehn and as I was about to exit the stage, I was greeted by Imperial Sir Jim Smith, Past Imperial Potentate.
During the Session, the Grand Masters were provided two days of Leadership Summits presented by two great friends: Walt Wheeler, Sovereign Grand Commander of the Northern Scottish Rite Jurisdiction and Jim Cole, Sovereign Grand Commander of the Southern Scottish Ride Jurisdiction. This was a great event to commingle with Grand Masters from all over the Nation. We exchanged a great deal of information regarding items Leadership faces in our individual jurisdictions. I am very grateful for the work Imperial put in to make this such a rewarding opportunity for each Grand Master in attendance.
I had the opportunity to greet Ill Sir Sam Montgomery while I was at the Market Place. Ill Sir Sam was one of my Membership Instructors and a great mentor when I traveled to Imperial in 2005 as Membership Chairman for Zor Shriners. We had a long conversation, and I later met him while attending the Imperial Parade.
While at the Parade, I also met two Wisconsin Brothers, John Kranzusch and Tom Pflugardt. I had just recently met them in Iola during the Flag Ceremony on June 20th. What a small world we live in! Just goes to show how valuable our Masonic friendships are. One is never alone as a Mason. Remember to wear your Masonic apparel in public and be proud to be a Mason.
Lady Julie and I returned on July 16th for a day of rest and then we traveled to Vesper for the Shriners Unity Parade on July 18. It was a bit warm, but I donned my tuxedo and top hat, and Lady Julie and I had the honor to ride in the “Zor Shriners Time Machine” a custom-built steampunk created by Ill Sir Steve Livernash. We had a wonderful day, topped by having dinner with Grand Tiler Larry Hanson and Lady Jill.
On July 21st Lady Julie and I traveled to Dousman, Three Pillars. I attended Erv Julien’s celebration of 60 years being a Freemason. Brother Erv is a member of Lake Country Freemasons Lodge No. 42 and Glenn L. Humphrey Lodge No. 364.
After the ceremony, Lady Julie and I attended a picnic at Three Pillars. There we were able to spend some quality time with Imperial Sir Jim Smith and his Lady Alice, along with long-time friend Brother Duane Bunting. We also had the privilege of spending time with our Office Staff, Christina and Erika, along with Grand Secretary Michael A. DeWolf and Lady Annie.
July 24th to the 26th, Wisconsin Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons had the honor of sponsoring the Northeast Conference of Grand Masters. Presentations were presented by WB Mike Burnham, SGD; Bro. Peter Tourville, Foundation; WB Matt Konradt, DD12; WB Kyle Grahn, SGS and RWJGW Matt Ivens; and WB Paul Larson, JGD. I have received so many thank you emails and text messages regarding the outstanding work these individuals did. They were amazing! Congratulations on representing Wisconsin Freemasonry with the highest quality one could imagine! We also need to recognize MWGS Michael A. DeWolf for his countless hours of planning and developing this outstanding conference. A huge thank you to our Grand Lodge Ladies, Julie Thompson, Annie DeWolf, Pam Burnham and Breanne Ivens for entertaining our Guests Ladies.
I ended the Month of July by attending a Golf Outing with Deputies from Iowa County called “Divots with Deputies”. This event a fundraiser for “Santa Cop” and is primarily set up by WB Kevin Baker and his lovely Lady Carisa, whom are Deputies for the Iowa County Sheriff’s Department. Lady Julie attended with me, but we got washed out by a thunderstorm after seven holes. Good thing we each took a change of clothes!
Our next adventure was travelling to LaCrescent, Minnesota, to attend a Shriners outing at the Jansky Eagle Nest Resort. It has been a few years since Lady Julie and I attended this annual event, but it was just as beautiful as the last time we attended. The property is located on a high bluff overlooking the Mississippi River and the City of LaCrosse. If one has the courage to go out to the point; the view is breathtaking. I was blessed to meet the oldest living Jansky, Judy Rowley. She is a sister Jack and Jerry Jansky, both were members of Badger Lodge No. 345. Judy was very pleased to have a photo op with myself and Ill Sir Steve Livernash.
Olive Branch Lodge No. 6 had a packed house at their stated communication on August 5th. Several members from District 9 attended Lodge and captured the Statewide Traveling Trowel. The crew was headed up by DD9 Pat Garvin and three Masters, WB LeRoy Huber, Bicknell Lodge No. 94, WB Tim Elliot, Morning Star Lodge No. 10 and WB Peter Ryan, Janesville Lodge No. 55. They also brought along WB Bob Barnett, DR, I had the privilege to present him with his newest official business card: “Bob What’s His Name”. It was certainly a great night of Fellowship!
On Saturday, August 6th, Lady Julie and I attended the State Fair in Milwaukee. It took us a while to locate the Wisconsin Freemasons booth but had the opportunity to meet Brother Jon Conforti from Kenosha Lodge No. 47. I had a great conversation with him and WB Jim Goodman who was manning the Tripoli Shriners Booth. While I was there, Rick and Amy from Fire Suppression Solutions stopped by to say hello. Lady Julie and I later met Rick and Amy and had dinner together at Saz’s. Great people-Great time!
MWPGM Dave Ritchie and MWPGM Scott Pedley accompanied me on a trip to Geno, Illinois to attend Lodge on August 11th. I attended this Lodge last year with Brother Richard Bennett who is a member of this Lodge. Bro. Richard had planned for us to attend this meeting, however, due to unforeseen circumstances, Brother Richard was unable to attend this year’s meeting. MWGM Joe Ferrell was unable to attend as well, however, RWSGW Angelo Deserio was able to attend. Another great night of fellowship was had by all.
From the south to the north. On August 13th, I traveled to Hayward to attend Lodge and presented WB David Acheson with his 55-year Certificate. What an enjoyable evening to spend with Keystone Lodge No. 263 in Hayward! I was accompanied by RWJGW George Eisenmann III and WB Danny Bourassa, DD1. I also had the privilege to spend time with WB Al Heinkel and WB Paul Wharton. These two Brothers have been great mentors of mine for many years.
The following day, I attended the “Step’n Up” Golf Outing in Solon Springs for the Dyslexia Center in Superior. I certainly made WB Mark Steckel and RWJGW George look good with my ability to golf! I’m sure I would have taken home the “shortest drive” or the “most lost balls” award had they been given out! This was a great event! It was great to see MWPGM Arby and Lady Cindy as they were very busy making sure all the details were followed.
I made it home in time to get ready for Olive Branch Lodge’s annual picnic on August 16th. I had the privilege of presenting Brother Bill Peacock with his 25-year certificate and pin. Great food and great entertainment by the Fever River String Band was enjoyed by all in attendance. Great to spend time with PGM Dave Ritchie, PGM Scott Pedley and Grand Lecturer Davey White Jr., PGM. Also, WB Danny Wohlfert and his family were in attendance.
The following day, I made a trip to Eau Claire to attend the “Teddy Bear Classic” Golf Outing. Once again, I made my teammates look very good! This was another successful event and was a fundraiser for the Dyslexia Center in Eau Claire. PGM Don Hensiak, PGM Arby Humphrey and PGM Tom Stevens were among the many golfers at this event. Also present were WB Ralph Behlke, Grand Marshall; WB Matt Hughey, Grand Orator and WB Danny Bourassa, DD1.
Well, I’m just at the halfway point of the month of August and I still have several events scheduled, but I must sign off for now to get this in for publication. Thanks, Dad, for looking over me as I continue to travel on this amazing journey. I hope to meet many of you in the coming days, weeks, and months. Get involved, travel, and spread the Brotherly Love in your heart!
Fraternally,
Joe Thompson , Grand Master 2026-2027
