Famous Wisconsin Rapids Natives

	Philleo Nash
	Philleo Nash (1909-1987) was a professor and anthropologist.  Philleo Nash attended the University of Wisconsin (B.A., 1932) and University of Chicago (Ph.D., 1937). He taught at the University of Toronto, 1937-1941, and American University, 1971-1976. Between 1942 and 1966, he held several positions with the federal government, including Special Assistant to the Director for White House Liaison, Office of War Information 1942-46; Special Assistant to the President, 1946-52; Administrative Assistant to the President, 1952-53; Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 1961-66.  He served as Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin, 1959-60.  During the 1960s and 1970s, he was a private consultant in applied anthropology. At the end of his life, Nash managed a family cranberry business in his native Wisconsin.   The Malinowski Award was presented to Nash in 1986 as "an outstanding senior scholar who is recognized for a lifetime commitment to the application of the social sciences to contemporary issues." He was awarded the Franz Boaz Award for Exemplary Service to Anthropology in 1984.  Nash's papers are collected at the National Anthropological Archives and the Harry S Truman  Library.
	James Daly (October 23, 1918 - July 3, 1978)
	James Daly was a stage actor who made a great many appearances in television dramas. Some of his  most notable credits included roles in the television series "Medical Center" (1969-1976) and the movie "Planet of the Apes" (1968). He was nominated for an Emmy in 1966  for his role in "Eagle in a Cage". He was the father of actress Tyne Daly, best known for her television roles in Cagney and Lacey and Judging Amy, and actor Tim Daly.  James F. Daly, from the Lincoln High School annual 1936. (Click to enlarge) He was active in: English; Play Contest 2,3,4; Gamma Sigma 1; Oratorical Contest 2,3,4; Band 1,2,3,4; Orchestra 1,2,3,4; Prom Chairman 3. Internet Movie Database entry
	Bonnie Bartlett (1929- )
	Bonnie Bartlett is a television and movie actress who won an Emmy Award in 1986 and 1987 for her portrayal of Mrs. Ellen Craig in the television series "St. Elsewhere." (1982-1988). She also was a regular on "Little House on the Prairie" in 1976-77. With her husband, actor William Daniels, she became the first real-life married couple to win Emmy acting awards on the same night. Her recent credits include "Tuesdays with Morrie", "Primary Colors" and "Ghosts of Mississippi". Internet Movie Database entry
	Myron "Grim" Natwick (August 16, 1890 - October 7, 1990)
	Myron "Grim" Natwick trained in art schools in Chicago, New York and Vienna before becoming an animator in 1921 with Hearst Film Service. He later joined Max and Dave Fleischer, where he created the character Betty Boop. In 1935 he went to work for Disney and was lead animator in the Disney movie "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" (1937). Natwick later directed the animated feature Gulliver's Travels (1939). He was involved in numerous cartoon shorts for theatrical release and television and illustrated Will Rogers' book Ether & Me: or "Just Relax". Natwick's nickname reportedly refers to his solemn persistence and dedicated work habits.	Natwick working on Snow White. Other Resources Internet Movie Database entry Grim Natwick Interview The South Wood County Historical Museum has a collection of Natwick's work and other related materials.
	Dick Trickle (October 27, 1941- )
	Dick Trickle has won over 1200 races in his career and was NASCAR Winston Cup Rookie of the Year in 1989.    Dick Trickle Fan Club NASCAR biography	Trickle wins the pole at Dover.
	Bryan Reffner (November 6, 1963- )
	Bryan Reffner is a rising star in Craftsman Truck series.       Reffner the racer. NASCAR biography	Reffner while at Lincoln H.S.  (Click on photo to enlarge)
	Ed "Strangler" Lewis (1891-1966)
	Ed "Strangler" Lewis, born Robert H. Friedrich in Nekoosa, was in the eyes of many the greatest wrestler who ever lived. His trademark move was the headlock.  A standout athlete, Lewis attended the University of Kentucky and played professional baseball. Over the span of 11 years Lewis held the title of World Heavyweight Champion four times.  He gained recognition as the World's Champion from the New York State Athletic Commission in the early 1930s and held that distinction for over a year. In the early 1940s, Lewis gained the MWA Title belt which he held for over six months. He was later named the first commissioner for the sport of Professional Wrestling. Lewis died after a series of illnesses in 1966 at his home in Oklahoma. He was one of the early legends in the sport. His lifetime record was 6,742 wins and 35 losses. Lewis was inducted into the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1951. The story they couldn't tell about Ed (Strangler) Lewis Professional Wrestling Online Museum Top 20 Professional Wrestlers of the 20th Century - Lewis is ranked #3.
	Harry Tracy (1877-1902)
	Harry Tracy was born in Pittsville, but didn't become famous until age fifteen, when he embarked on a life of crime in Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Oregon, and Washington which ended with one of the most lengthy and bloody manhunts in American history.  "Wild Bunch" member Harry Tracy. "Harry Tracy, Desperado," a movie based on his life starring Bruce Dern, was produced in 1982. The Hunting of Harry Tracy chronicles his escape from prison and the ensuing manhunt. "A Look Back"  The Legacy of Tracy & Lant - an article on the escape. MANHUNT : The Pursuit of Harry Tracy  - A sample chapter of the book shown above.
	Donald "Red" Blanchard (July 24, 1914 - February 24, 1980)
	"Red" Blanchard of Pittsville  was a long time entertainer best known for his work on the National Barn Dance. Blanchard started on the popular country music show in 1931. It was broadcast by WLS and later by WGN radio and TV, as well as ABC. Originally a singer and musician, he later moved to comedy.  He was part of a combat entertainment team during WWII, playing before an estimated one million G.I.s and receiving six battle stars during his service. In this photo, Red is receiving the key to Pittsville, with his parents in the back.
	Local Authors
	Check our local authors page.
	Sports
	Jim (James Henry) Delsing of Rudolph played from the White Sox, Yankees, Browns, Tigers and A's between 1948-1956. A solid outfielder, he is remembered as the pinch runner for midget Eddie Gaedel 1951. Tom Metcalf, a 1958 graduate of Lincoln, pitched for the 1963 New York Yankees Word Series team. His career was ended by  a serious arm injury the next year. When Wisconsin Rapids was home to a minor league team, it was temporarily home to several future major leaguers, including Gary Gaetti.
	Who's Who
	Who's Who in America (2000) lists the following Wisconsin Rapids residents: LeRoy A. Engelhardt, retired paper company executive James E. Gignac, municipal fire chief, consultant Richard John Kenney, paper company finance executive Miles Gene Knuteson, advertising executive. George Wilson Mead II, paper company executive Teri Ann Weiland, principal

Last revised May 11, 2001