Story originally printed in the Vernon Broadcaster or online at www.vernonbroadcaster.com
Published - Monday, May 12, 2008
Mosher becomes Viroqua ‘Excellence in Education’ honoree
It may have been cold and rainy Saturday morning, but laughter warmed the Viroqua High School/Middle School commons as Larry Mosher was inducted to the school district's "Excellence in Education" wall of recognition.
Mosher, middle school guidance counselor from 1967 to 1990, was honored for his years of service. In addition to being the guidance counselor, he taught industrial arts at the middle school from 1962 to 1967, after teaching industrial arts from 1952 to 1962 in Harmony, Minn., and Onalaska.
"Larry, when we are through with this, you will know you have made a difference in the school and community," said Rich Volden of Onalaska, who served as master of ceremonies for the event.
Volden, formerly of Viroqua, said Mosher worked for his construction company many summers. He said Mosher was "a great guy to work with," who brought joy, patience and laughter to the job site.
Ken Arnetveit, retired industrial arts teacher and fellow "Excellence in Education" inductee, roomed with Mosher for four years while they attended Stout Institute, now known as the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
"Larry, it's been a great time for us together," Arnetveit said.
Arnetveit shared memories of playing high school sports together, being in band and riding in Gordon Fetty's car.
Arnetveit also shared memories of their college years.
"I cannot remember one time Larry and I have had a bad word - that says something about friendship," he said. "You have taught me so much about humility."
"The school system, especially the kids, were very fortunate that you returned to your alma mater. It's an honor to play side-by-side on the Wall of Excellence," Arnetveit continued.
Dick Tubb, Mosher's co-worker and friend, also spoke.
"I have known Larry over 30 years," he said. " We have had a lot of good times and laughs and shared a lot of tough times and tears together."
Tubb said he had the privilege of reading the letters of nominations which were submitted.
"He did a lot to make the school run smoothly," he said. "Larry was there to listen to (the students). They knew he was a friend and he would listen to them."
Hank Hendrickson, longtime school board member, was on the the board when Mosher was hired to teach in the district.
"Middle school is a diverse group of kids... You worked hard to help them find their unique skills," Hendrickson said. "I enjoyed working with you as a school board member those 30 years."
Chet Lee, retired elementary school principal, shared memories of knowing Mosher for 66 years.
"You came into seventh grade from Asbury Ridge and that was the start of one of the greatest friendships," Lee said.
"Larry was always a participator, not a spectator," he continued. "He was in all of the high school sports."
"Your dedication to education wasn't just in the class room. There were multi-classrooms in the community," Lee said.
Lee cited Mosher's work with others to establish VARC, Inc. as one of the classrooms.
Another "classroom" was the Wisconsin Army National Guard, of which Mosher was a member from 1949 until 1972.
"I was a member of Larry's unit," Lee said. "He was a leader of men; he was an educator."
"The devotion to his church is the foundation of what he has made of himself," Lee continued. "Your classrooms were in many places."
Mosher's plaque, the 11th to hang on the wall, was unveiled by Dr. Robert Knadle, school superintendent.
"I've had six months to ponder this," Mosher said. "(I thought) how can an average kid from Viroqua be selected for this honor?'."
He said he was influenced by many people, among them his parents and Edwin "Pete" Peterson, who was Mosher's industrial arts teacher while in high school.
"I liked Pete because he liked kids and was a coach," Mosher said.
Mosher said he remembered a time on the baseball field when Peterson pulled him aside and asked him to stop swearing.
"I let Pete down, my family down... It's some 60 years later and I remember it as if it happened yesterday," he said.
Mosher said that lesson taught him that educators don't embarrass students in front of their peers.
Another person of influence was Robert G. Peterson, the superintendent of Onalaska schools who was eventually hired by Viroqua Area Schools in 1960.
Mosher said Robert G. Peterson would offer the right words when one needed "an uplift."
"I desired to model myself from Mr. Peterson's (example)," he said.
Two years after the Viroqua district hired Robert G. Peterson, he talked with Mosher, who was still teaching in Onalaska, and said middle school industrial arts would be offered in Viroqua. Mosher made the decision to return to his alma mater to teach and work with his mentor.
"Two-and-a-half years later, Mr. Peterson suddenly died of a heart attack," Mosher said. "It was a sad time in my life. I lost a dear friend and mentor, the educator who gave me the educational direction to work with children..."
Mosher said it was an honor to be a part of the team at Viroqua Area Schools.
"It's been wonderful," he said.
All stories copyright 2006 Vernon Broadcaster and other attributed sources.