Visit the Memorial Today!
The memorial was installed Oct. 29, 2025.Thank you to all our donors and supporters!
This memorial is only made possible with the support of our community. The generosity this project has solicited is truly inspiring. Individual donors from this area and around the country contributed to the fund that has paid for the creation of this monument using local craftsmen and businesses. Thank you to the Washburn City Council and Parks & Rec committee for supporting this endeavor with open arms.
All the pieces of this structure were sourced and built locally. The base came from Don Jaskoviak and his Facebook group, Oredock Tower Donation, which saved 11 towers during the demolition of the Ashland Oredock. Edmunds & Company Log Home Restorations provided sandblasting to prep it for powdercoating free of charge. Chris Bretting of Fast Lane Motorsport powder coated both the base and the weathervane so that it’ll be protected for decades to come. Our concrete footing was provided by Randy & Brian Bergman, Mic Anderson and Jeff Moberg. Cleveland Cliffs donated 700 pounds of taconite pellets for landscaping projects that will be completed in the spring. These are the same pellets that made up the Fitzgerald’s final cargo.
We especially want to recognize Matt Tetzner for the amazing amount of talent and time he's poured into this piece. We absolutely could not have done this without him.
Thank you all for being here to help us build this new gathering place on our lakefront.
Media
WPR
50 years later, Edmund Fitzgerald sinking leaves lasting effects on families, forecasting.
Northland News Now
50 years later: Washburn community honors Edmund Fitzgerald crew with new memorial
Remembering Local Crew Members
Supporting Washburn Heritage AssociaTion Means Supporting Your Community
50 years ago during a November storm, the Edmund Fitzgerald sunk off the Michigan south shore in Lake Superior. The entire crew was lost. Local families from Washburn, Ashland, Moquah, Superior and beyond had their husbands, fathers, brothers and friends taken from them.
During this 50th anniversary year, we are creating and erecting a unique memorial on the Washburn waterfront near the marina to remember those we lost. Local artists Jamey Penney-Ritter and Matt Tetzner have worked together to create a striking tribute to those lost in this tradegy.
The top is a functional weather vane featuring a profile of the Fitzgerald. The base is a repurposed tower from the Ashland Oredock.
Every contribution, big or small, makes a real impact. Even just a few dollars can help move this mission forward. Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity.
100% of donations went to the creation of this unique memorial.
This project has been approved by the Washburn Parks & Rec Committee, Washburn City Council Historic Preservation Commission & and Kalmon Family.
Media Contact:
Contact: Jamey Ritter
bemusedwi@gmail.com
(715) 209-1126