2003 Commodore

Bill Bray and First Mate Kathy Bray

Commodore Career: Executive

Commodore Date of Birth: February 28

Commodore Hometown: Rochester, MN

Siblings in order: Jim, Mary Jo, Elizabeth Anne

First Mate Career: Librarian and Teacher Assistant

First Mate Date of Birth: July 29

Hometown: Winona, MN

Siblings in order: John, Debbie

Child 1: Jessica Spouse: Frank Abnet

Grandchildren: Brennen, Reese

Child 2: Michelle Spouse: Scott Beahm

Grandchildren: Rylee

Date of Marriage: 6.5.1976
How did you and your partner meet? At the Dock in the bay.
Commodore Hobbies and Interests: Woodworking.

Commodore Community Involvement: Dawson Jaycees, President; St. Barnabas Catholic Church, Men’s Club, Girls Basketball Coach, Church Council; Onalaska Rotary, President; Rotary Lights Board; La Crosse Area Visitors and Convention Bureau Board, La Crosse YMCA, President – Ted Griffin Award; Onalaska High School Show Choir, Parent Support Group, President; Onalaska Boys and Girls Basektball Announcer, 10 years; St. Patrick Catholic Church, Lector and Church Council; Valley View Rotary.

First Mate Hobbies and Interests: Sewing, crafts, helping others, walking.

Tell the story of how you were asked to be a Commodore and First Mate: A group of Commodores invited me to a morning meeting in the basement of Art Lotz’s Mr. D’s Restaurant.

One thing on your Bucket List: visit Bray, Ireland, the UK, and Tewkesburg Abbey in England.