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Posted October 9, 2023
Plymouth High School inducted the two newest members of its Alumni Hall of Fame during the 2023 Homecoming celebration.
Ron Nicolaus joined the Plymouth Fire Department as a volunteer in 1964 at the age of 19, and holds an associate degree in fire service management, having graduated with honors. He was elected volunteer chief in 1980 and became the first full-time paid chief for the City of Plymouth in 1997. He served as chief until his retirement in 2015.
During his tenure, Chief Nicolaus initiated the purchase of the first ambulance and brought the Jaws of Life tool to the department. He served as emergency medical technician, fire inspector, and emergency government director. He was a member of the Sheboygan County Hazardous Materials Team, assisted in organizing the Sheboygan County Dive Support Team, and was a key organizer in the efforts to build the current fire station in 1985 and an addition in 2008. He received the Charles B. Conway Lifetime Achievement Award.
His leadership philosophy was steadfast, according to friend and coworker Shirley Gilliam, who nominated him. Safety and well-being were always of the utmost importance. Even though he moved into a paid position, his commitment and dedication went unchanged. Nicolaus always went above and beyond what was expected of him. He was compassionate and paid attention to fine details, all of which ensured the safety of his firefighters. He held sacred the idea that “everyone goes home.”
Chief Nicolaus, along with his wife, Penny, have three sons and a daughter. His sons also have served the Plymouth Fire Department alongside their father. Over his 51 years in the fire service, Chief Nicolaus has been an exemplary volunteer, leader, teacher, friend, and role model. His efforts in growing the department and providing exceptional service to our community will never be forgotten. He will always be highly respected and honored for his tireless mentoring of the members and individuals blessed to know him.
During the induction ceremony in the PHS auditorium, Mr. Nicolaus thanked Plymouth High School for the honor. Earlier in the day, he had enjoyed a tour of the current Plymouth High School, adding, “Wish we would have had this school then!”
Ron Nicolaus
Gina Krueger-Grapentine, who holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education from UW-Milwaukee and a master’s in educational leadership from UW-Green Bay, has been a physical education teacher and coach in the Plymouth School District for 35 years.
During that time, she has been involved in many activities and programs that benefit the district and her community. She has coached basketball, tennis, volleyball, and track at the middle and high school levels. She designed and implemented an afterschool intramural program that gives Riverview students additional opportunities to stay active and have fun. She worked with parent groups and community members to build the walking path at Riverview. She is also a driving force behind the success of the Plymouth Aquatic Center, serving as director since it opened in 2002.
Mrs. Krueger is passionate about education and always ensures that students and staff are informed of new opportunities in physical education and the benefits of leading active and healthy lives. She helped write a PEP Grant that provided the district with new fitness and adventure education equipment. She has been instrumental in diversifying the physical education curriculum at Riverview and within the district, increasing student involvement. Her countless contributions and forward-thinking have helped the PE program prosper. She has been a role model and mentor to students and staff alike. Her hard work, determination, and commitment to her students and community positively impact the health and wellbeing of those around her.
She is a consummate team player and has been an active member of several district committees, including the Superintendent Council and the Health & Wellness Committee. She has been a member of the Wisconsin Health and Physical Education Association (WHPE) and the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC). Additionally, she participated in many athletic activities, which led to her induction into the Fond Du Lac and Sheboygan Softball Halls of Fame.
She was nominated by five outstanding teachers and friends – Katie Rortvedt, Sharon Koene, Kamie Gritt, Tanya Strauss and Butch Cain – and thanked them for their support and friendship over the years.
Mrs. Krueger told those at the induction ceremony that she is grateful and humbled by the honor. She pointed out that three generations of proud PHS grads were with her in the auditorium, noting that her mother are sisters were teachers, though it was probably her father’s love of sports that led her to specialize in physical education.
She pointed out that she knows many current PHS students from when they were in middle school. “I’ve watched you change and grow up,” she told them, and offered some advice:
Gina Krueger-Grapentine
• Visit the PHS Alumni Hall of Fame webpage, which includes bios of all Hall of Fame members.
• Read more about 2023 Plymouth High School Homecoming.
• Explore the Post-Graduate Success section of our interactive, award-winning District Report Card to learn more about how Plymouth grads are making an impact all over the world.
The Plymouth High School Hall of Fame was created by the PHS Student Council in 2010 to recognize distinguished alumni who have achieved a high level of success and have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, given unselfishly to make their community a better place, and have made a significant difference in the lives of others.
Nominations for new candidates, who must have graduated from PHS at least 10 years ago, are accepted each spring. The candidates then are reviewed by a Student Council committee, with each year’s chosen honorees revealed at Graduation in June and inducted at Homecoming in the fall. With the current additions, the Hall of Fame includes 36 PHS graduates.
