Notes From the Field 2005

Keith Meverden

Originally from Birnamwood, Wisconsin, Keith received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, and his Master’s degree in Maritime History and Nautical Archaeology from East Carolina University. A licensed Coast Guard Captain, Keith has worked on projects throughout Wisconsin, North Carolina, and the Virgin Islands, including the civil war ironclad USS Monitor. A former licensed Mate for the US Army, Keith served aboard 174-foot landing craft throughout the Persian Gulf during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and is now a commissioned officer in the Coast Guard Reserve.

Tamara Thomsen

Tamara Thomsen is a TDI Advanced Trimix Instructor, IANTD Technical Cave Instructor, and PADI Master Instructor. She has worked as a bottom diver on the USS Monitor Project, and has lead and participated in several cave exploration/mapping projects in Wisconsin, Missouri, Florida, and Mexico. For the past seven years Tamara has headed the dive team collecting biofilms and water samples in the Piquette Lead/Zinc Mine for the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of California-Berkley leading to the discovery of a new bacteria. As a staff writer for Advanced Diver Magazine, Tamara has written numerous articles on underwater exploration and published many underwater photographs. Tamara has received the distinguished NSS-CDS Nicholson Award and the NACD Silver Wakulla Award for Safe Cave Diving.

Paul Lothary

Paul Lothary was inspired to become a certified diver after an afternoon of sightseeing underwater shipwrecks on Lake Superior through a glass-bottomed boat in the Alger Preserve. Paul is a TDI Technical Divemaster for Diversions Scuba in Madison. A certified Cave Diver, Paul also dives for the Piquette Mine Project. Paul also enjoys underwater photography, having worked as a professional photograper and graphic artist. When not diving, Paul takes pleasure in raising his family in Fort Atkinson, and enjoys sharing his love for diving with them and practically anyone who will stand still long enough to listen.

 

 

Russel Leitz

A retired science teacher from Menasha school district, Russ is the president of the Wisconsin Underwater Archaeology Association (WUAA). Russ lives in Waupaca with his wife Ruth and has two children, Beth and Brett. Brett is currently serving in Iraq with the U.S. Army in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Beth works for the University of Illinois. Russ has almost single-handedly compiled the online newspaper database at our Wisconsin Shipwrecks website.

 

 

 

 

 

Jon Paul Van Harpen

Jon Paul Van Harpen owns Door County Puzzles & Prints, LLC in Sturgeon Bay. A certified diver since 1972 and Divemaster since 1988, Jon earned an Associates Degree in Marine Architecture from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. He completed the Basic Underwater Archeology Workshop at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. While living in Florida, Jon studied Early Sail Construction, Artifact Preservation and Curation, and Advanced Underwater Archaeology at Key West Community College. A writer for the Door County Advocate, Jon has published over 300 articles since 1990. His maritime history column is featured in the Thursday edition of the Door County Advocate, and his maritime news column appears on Saturdays. Jon has written reports for Wisconsin Historical Society, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and University of Wisconsin-Green Bay on archaeological findings at Jacksonport, Toth Point, and the schooner Ebenezer.

 

Christa Loustalot

Christa Loustalot is an underwater photographer from Spring, Texas, where she lives with her husband Kurt and two dogs. Her photography is showcased on her website. Christa obtained a B.S. in Biology with Chemistry minor from University of Southern Mississippi (Brett Favre's alma mater). A certified diver since 1994, she holds AAUS Scientific Diver, PADI Divemaster, NSS-CDS Cavern Diver, and ERF Instructor certifications. She has worked for NOAA Marine Fisheries Services in Galveston, Texas, protecting endangered species and enforcing federal regulations during offshore oil platform removals. She now dedicates her time to participating on research projects and doing work that makes a difference.

Kimm Stabelfeldt

Kimm Stabelfeldt holds one of the largest private collections of Great Lakes books and ephemera in Wisconsin and is the author of five popular Great Lakes dive guides. His work has been published in numerous periodicals. He is director of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Foundation, Inc. which organizes the annual Ghost Ships Festival in Milwaukee. Kimm holds memberships in Great Lakes Historical Society, Saginaw River Marine Historical Society, Lake Superior Marine Museum Association, Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society, Wisconsin Marine Historical Society, Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association, Wisconsin Maritime Museum, Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society and Dossin Great Lakes Museum. A divemaster and advanced trimix diver, he is the president of Adventure Diving, Inc., a Great Lakes shipwreck dive charter service. Kimm holds degrees in Business and Computer Science and is an executive business consultant.

Bob Jaeck

Bob Jaeck has been a Great Lakes wreck diver since 1977, and is an avid collector of Great Lakes books and ephemera. He is one of the foremost authorities on Racine area shipwrecks, having devoted nearly 26 years to their study. A skilled tradesman, Bob owns a custom fitted dive boat, the Underwater Explorer. He holds memberships in Wisconsin Marine Historical Society, Wisconsin Maritime Museum, and Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association. Bob is employed professionally as a millwright.

Ethan Brodsky

Ethan Brodsky is an Electrical Engineering graduate student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. A certified cave diver and advanced trimix diver, he has participated as collection diver for the Piquette Mine Project for several years. Ethan brings to the Maritime Preservation and Archaeology Program his experience in underwater cave surveying, having participated in three surveys in Missouri and one in Alabama.

Paul Bentley

Paul Bentley, an advanced diver with 20 years experience, has spent his entire career exploring Great Lakes shipwrecks, Lake Michigan sites in particular. He has dove over 100 wrecks and has great interest in the history behind the wrecks, believing the sailor’s lives are far more important and fascinating than their final moments. Paul has 36 years experience in the marketing communications business in Chicago and Milwaukee. He and his wife Judy have raised 4 divers and reside in Whitefish Bay.

Tom Milbrath

Tom Milbrath began scuba diving in 1961. His experience and certifications include ice, wreck, cave, and trimix diving. His passion for the water extends beyond scuba, as he is an avid boater and water skier. Tom retired from a career as an auto technician as of May 6, 2005. He and his wife, Laura have been married for 43 years, have 3 children and 5 fantastic grandchildren.

Gregg Mikolasek

Gregg Mikolasek has more than 22 years of diving and maritime experience. He holds two degrees from the University of Michigan, including a Masters in Atmospheric and Oceanic Science. A Dive Instructor since 1997, he holds the rating of Master Diver Trainer. His diving experience ranges from recreational to technical and light commercial, including commercial videography at technical depths as well as stunt diving. From 1999-2003, Gregg held the position of Dive Safety Officer aboard the M/V Coral Star dive liveaboard, where he was responsible for the safety of 20+ guests and crew. Since 2000, he has been a remote sensing consultant and Project Director, employing sidescan sonar in a number of underwater searches. Since 2002 he has also been a manufacturer's representative with Viking & Poseidon Diving Equipment as well as VR3 Decompression Diving Computers and Waterproof Gear of Sweden. Gregg is a certified EMT, licensed private pilot, and holds a 100 GT US Coast Guard Captain's License.

Jack Cheasty

Jack Cheasty is originally From Brooklyn, NY and is presently assigned to FT Campbell, KY where he works as a Diving Medical Officer for the US Army. Education includes BS, RN, and PA from Northeastern University in Boston, and his MPH from the University of Oklahoma. A certified diver since 1963, he holds a NAUI instructor certification since 1981 and is both a NAUI Technical Instructor and Course Director.. Graduating the US Navy dive school (NDSTC), in class 97-10-DMO.Jack’s military career spans 35 years. He is an avid cave and wreck diver.

Alan Ferguson

Alan Ferguson has been a NAUI certified diver since age 12, diving the Florida Panhandle as well as inland springs at every opportunity. At age 19 he is currently a sophomore in college and frames houses to support his diving activities. He hopes to find a career in underwater archaeology. Recently trained to use a drysuit, he is the youngest member of the team.

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