Wisconsin State Journal March 19, 1968 Pages 1 and 2 Aberg, Conservation Pioneer, Dies Atty. William J.P. Aberg, 80, of 3226 Lake Mendota Dr. died Monday (Mar. 18, 1968) in a hospital. Mr. Aberg's long interest in conservation was reflected in his participation in the formulation of two major pieces of legislation affecting the course of the state's early efforts in the field. Both laws took their form in the same year - 1927 - and both were considered landmarks. Mr. Aberg joined with a group of pioneer conservationists, including the late Aldo Leopold, University of Wisconsin conservation leader, to forge the Conservation Act of 1927, which created the Conservation Commission form of resource management. He also aided in the construction of the state's forest crop law, which provided an incentive to growers for the perpetual continuation of timber growth and harvesting. His service3 on the conservatin commission, frfom 1939 to 1961 was a fitting postscript to his legislative interest in resource preservation. He also was instrumental in the restoration of Horicon Marsh as a wildlife area and in the establishment of several national forest areas in the state. In 1964, the Wisconsin Conservation Department dedicated its Northeast Area Headquarters in Spooner in his honor. The structure's plaque was presented "in recognition of unselfish service to conservation in Wisconsin." Mr. Aberg was a strong defender of the commission and near the end of his final term he noted: Conservation requires a sanctity of department funds. Conservation money should remain in the hands of the conservation administrators; otherwise it is subject to whims of the uniformed." He was a member of the Izaak Walton League and a founder and director of the National Wildlife Federation. His interests were varied enough to include a 1940 drive to raise $6,000 for Finnish War relief. In the political world, Aberg was a staunch Republican, who announced his support of Wendell Wilkie in the 1944 presidential primary. But his origins in Sweden and northern Wisconsin provide the backdrop to a life dominated by love of nature. He was born in Sweden and came to the United States in 1916. His family settled in Shell Lake. And as a school boy there, he received 9 cents an hour working an 11 hour day for the Shell Lake Lumber Co. After graduation from high school, he worked three years on the Mesabi Iron Range before entering the University of Wisconsin where he won bachelor's and law degrees. He was a member of several Masonic organizations and Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity. He married the former Hebe Leedes. She died in 1958. Survivors include a son, Robert, 3226 Lake Mendota Dr.; two daughters, Marjorie Aberg, Chicago, Ill.; and Mrs. John K. Williams, Lansing, Ill. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in the Frautschi Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd., where friends may call after 4 p.m. Wednesday. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to a conservation scholarship fund that will be established. Wisconsin State Journal March 19, 1968 Page of Opinion William J.P. Aberg Contribution to Conservation / "The Groves of Trees Were God's First Temples"/ —BRYANT—A FOREST HYMN. Wisconsin is a better place to live because of William J. P. Aberg. The natural beauty of Wisconsin's woods and streams and forest areas will be preserved for future generations thanks to this dedicated man who labored through the long years of his active life in the high cause of conservation. "Bill" Aberg was one of that small band of pioneer conservationists, which included such men as Aldo Leopold, who unselfishly gave of their time and talents to preserve the beauty of Wisconsin's lakes and streams. An able lawyer, Mr. Aberg helped formulate major legislation, landmarks in the history of Wisconsin conservation. He played a vital part in the restoration of Horicon Marsh as a wildlife area and in. the establishment of several national forest areas in this state. Never content to pay lip service to conservation of our natural resources, Mr. Aberg served his state for years as an active leader on the Conservation Commission who fought hard for every piece of legislation that would protect nature from the spoilers. Madison and all of Wisconsin lost a good citizen and a true conservationist in the death of William J. P. Aberg. I hope this helps you. There is a picture of him on page one that I could send to you as an attachment but I would need your e-mail address. Sandie gc-gateway@rootsweb.com wrote: > This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. > > Author: jbear1198 > Surnames: > Classification: queries > > Message Board URL: > > http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.wisconsin.counties.dane/5847.1/mb.ashx > > Message Board Post: > > Here is a bio from when he died that you can order from the state historical society. > http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/vitalrecords/index.asp?id=97&record_type=wni > Here is a link to photos of him at the historical society that you can purchase as well. The three Wilke photos have him in them. > http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/whi/results.asp > P.S. He was Aberg Ave in Madison named after him. > > Erin > > Important Note: > The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board. > > > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to WIDANE-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > >