Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #238 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sat., Sept. 7, 2024, in honor of U.S. Army Corporal Robert P. Raess, who lost his life in the Korean War and whose remains have been identified and returned to Wisconsin for burial.
“Corporal Robert Raess made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the values and freedoms we hold dear, and his bravery, service, and selflessness will not be forgotten,” said Gov. Evers. “I’m glad that after over 70 years, Corporal Raess will return home to Dodgeville and be laid to rest surrounded by his loved ones.”
A native of Dodgeville, Corporal Raess was a member of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division during the Korean War. On Sept. 1, 1950, Corporal Raess was reported missing in action near Changnyeong, South Korea, and was officially declared deceased on Dec. 31, 1953. In 1951, the Army recovered remains from 12 smaller military cemeteries in the area where Corporal Raess was last seen and temporarily interred them at the United Nations Military Cemetery in Tanggok, South Korea, and in 1956, they were buried as unknowns at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii. Corporal Raess’ remains were positively identified by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency on March 26, 2024.
Corporal Raess will be buried on Sat., Sept. 7, 2024, in Dodgeville.
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Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #239 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sat., Sept. 7, 2024, in honor of former Wisconsin State Rep. Stephen J. Freese, who passed away on Wed., Aug. 28, 2024, at the age of 64.
“Representative Freese’s unwavering dedication to public service, his deep devotion to his family and friends, and his commitment to uplifting Wisconsin’s rural communities, will be missed by many,” said Gov. Evers. “Kathy and I send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and former colleagues in mourning his passing.”
Former Rep. Freese grew up in Hazel Green and was a graduate of Southwestern High and the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Former Rep. Freese first entered public service in 1980, serving on the Jamestown Town Board from 1980 to 1994, and also served on the Grant County Board of Supervisors from 1982 to 1992. In 1990, former Rep. Freese was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly, where he served for 16 years representing the 51st Assembly District. During his time in the Wisconsin State Assembly, Rep. Freese served as speaker pro tempore of the Assembly for 12 years.
Services for former Rep. Freese will be held on Sat., Sept. 7, 2024, in Sinsinawa.
