Milwaukee Retired Police Association

   The MRPA began in 1975, through the efforts of George Sprague, Franz Belot, Jerry Matusinek and Bernhardt Schoknecht. June Falkowski, a civilian employee, was the first secretary/treasure.

   The by-laws were adopted and approved and that was the first step. Meetings were set up and held at the Knutson Post located at 1135 W.Lapham. Membership was for any police department employee with at least 25 years of service or those already retired.

   The lunches that were served at the meetings were “Pot Luck” and provided by the ladies. The idea for starting this association was keeping in touch with fellow officers who had retired and for those future retirees and for social events.

   Soon to join the ranks of officers were Henry Kasza, Willard Obst and Frank Ertl. At the meetings, there were various speakers, bingo and music, which provided an afternoon of entertainment and socializing for members.

    Over the years we have had a number of officers and trustees, including Art Rinderle, Clara Chojnacki, Bob Guddie, Harry Michalek, George Beatovic, Eugene Stelske, Elmer Powelski, Lorraine Huml, Patrick Colburn, Gil Kania, Bob Medich and Jerry Senk.

   Len “Topper” Topczewski came on board soon followed by his wife Nancy. Len became a trustee and then president and secretary/treasure. Nancy became the food coordinator and editor of the news letter.

   Bob Medich & Topper had the job of locating a new meeting place and made an excellent find in the H.A. Todd, American Legion hall located at S. 92 nd & W. Beloit Rd., our present home.

   At one time we had 800 members, but dropped to around 700. Now, with the efforts of our members we are up to current membership over 900. This rise in members is due in part to the efforts of those who care enough about our association that they recruit new people to join our ranks.

   The socials always have a nice lunch with the help of “OUR” ladies who not only set up the food but also provide the desserts for which they all deserve our “Thanks”.

   Our 2006 board consists of John Karlovich, President, Wray Young, 1st Vice, Mariann Kwiatkowski, 2nd Vice, Jim Kerstein, Secretary, Joe Schoner, Treasure. Trustees are, Sally Senk, Joyce Michalek, Dorothy Colburn, Jessie Kedziora, Bernice Powelski, and Past President, Ed Knuth.

   Nancy Topczewski retired as our news letter editor in 2006 and her duties were taken over by Lynn Karlovich,our new Editor.

   The latest addition to our association is the publication of our own web site, started in June 2004, www.milrpa.com . John Karlovich serves as web coordinator.

The site was created to better help our members “Stay in Touch” now that we are in the 21 st Century.

   Good times will be remembered, and old friends will not be forgotten. Over 30 years have past since the MRPA was born, most original members have had their “Last Roll Call”, but with new members to continue a tradition, we will always “Carry On”.

   Keep up the good work! 

TOPPER