memorials

William K. Apell, CPA (1931–2022)

Bill Appel, CPA, age 91, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022. He was a partner in the CPA firm of Sattell, Johnson, Appel & Co. for over 50 years, retiring at the age of 85. His love of community defined his life outside of family, friends and work, as he served as president of the Jewish Community Center in Milwaukee and then a member of the board up until the last year. He also was first chairman of the Holocaust Educational Resource Center and served on numerous committees. He sat as North Shore Little League Commissioner in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Appel is survived by his wife of 61 years, Elaine; a daughter and two sons; six grandchildren; three sisters; two brothers; numerous nieces and nephews, in-laws and dear friends.

Ronald O. Helstad, CPA (1931–2022)

Ronald O. Helstad, CPA, 91, passed away Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022. Helstad was born in Ettrick and grew up on his family’s farm in French Creek. After graduating from high school, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was recently honored to participate in the Freedom Honor Flight program. After his service, he earned an accounting degree from UW–Whitewater and worked as an accountant at the La Crosse Trane Company. Soon after, he began his career as a CPA with Engelson and Associates, which continued for over 50 years. Helstad was a member of the VFW, Rotary Club and the Sons of Norway. He also served as treasurer for the Norwegian Club, Nord Hedmark og Hedmarken Lag. He was a longtime member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in La Crosse, where he served as an usher and treasurer. Helstad is survived by his wife, Audrey; three sons; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a brother and sister-in-law; and many other relatives and friends.

Curt G. Romenesko, CPA (1969–2023)

Curt Romenesko, age 53, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 18, after a nearly two-year battle with brain cancer. Curt was born and raised in Little Chute. As the youngest of four, he learned to be tough, strong and carefree. These characteristics were tested and proven when Curt became a quadriplegic at the age of 22 as the result of a car accident. The life-altering moment led him to devote much of his time to the ThedaCare Prevent Alcohol and Risk Related Trauma to Youth (P.A.R.T.Y. ) program, speaking to youth throughout northeastern Wisconsin about how irresponsible behavior can change one’s life forever. Curt earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from UW–Green Bay, became a CPA and worked more than 20 years at Spectrum as an accountant, business analyst and workforce management administrator. He is survived by a brother, two sisters and 10 nieces and nephews.

Paul T. Sheahan, CPA, CFE (1967–2022)

Paul T. Sheahan, CPA, CFE, passed away Friday, Dec. 23, 2022. Sheahan graduated from Oak Creek High School and later from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He began his career at the family business, Technical Metal Specialties, as a controller. He later obtained his CPA credential and worked for various firms throughout the greater Milwaukee area, most recently for SVA Certified Public Accountants in Brookfield. Sheahan is survived by his parents; the love of his life, Audra Stewart, and her two sons, to whom Paul was a father figure; his two brothers; nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends

Samuel J. Stagliano, CPA (1957–2022)

Samuel J. Stagliano, CPA, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022. A WIPA member, Stagliano served on the WICPA State Small Business Assistance Committee and received the 1995 WICPA Small Business Accountant Advocate Award. In 1976, Stagliano graduated from Eau Claire North High School, where he played many sports; was a class officer; and was active in DECA, Radio-TV Club, Student Council and the National Honor Society. He went on to receive his Bachelor of Administration degree in accounting and mathematics from UW–Eau Claire in 1981 and began his CPA career working for public accounting firms in Green Bay and Minneapolis before joining Bauman Associates, Ltd. in 1984. He retired in December 2019. Stagliano was also active in many community organizations. He served as past president or chairman of the board for the following groups: Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, UW–Eau Claire Alumni Association, Rotary Club of Eau Claire, Leave-A-Legacy Chippewa Valley Inc. and the Eau Claire Jaycees Inc. He also served as a past board member of Downtown Eau Claire Inc., the Eau Claire YMCA and Leadership Eau Claire. As a member of the Eau Claire Jaycees for 13 years, Sam worked on many community projects, such as Eau Claire Sawdust City Days, several airshows, Easter egg hunts and Haunted Hollow Trail. In 1989, he chaired the four-day Eau Claire Sawdust City Days Summer Celebration. From 1999 to 2004, he took over management of Eau Claire’s summer event, Festival in the Pines, together with two other local businessmen and his wife, Cheryl. From 2003 to 2010, he and Cheryl took over management of Eau Claire’s Christmas event — Sinterklaas Market. Stagliano is survived by his wife, Cheryl; two children; a granddaughter; two brothers; and many other relatives and friends.

If you are aware of a member obituary and believe it should be included in Memorials, please send a copy of the obituary or contact Marcia Tillett-Zinzow at mtzinzow@icloud.com.