The Roast of Tim

–submitted by Stan Inhorn; photos by Pete Christianson

Special guests from left: Fellow Rotarian and high school classmate Dan Olson, Rick Stadelman (Tim’s brother), Arlene Stadelman (Tim’s mom), Lori Stadelman (Tim’s wife), Ross Stadelman and Justin Stadelman (Tim’s sons).

The annual passing of the gavel turned out to be a rather poignant affair. Starting with the welcoming into the Past President’s club, to the thanks that went to all who guided Tim in his memorable year, there were tears and applauses galore. Tim passed out a year-end summary, which included a list of large-scale impact projects in which great progress was made.

Photo 1: President Tim prepares to deliver his “Swan Song”; Photo 2: Tim places the President’s pin on Ellsworth Brown; Photo 3: Renee Moe places the Past President’s pin on Tim 

The roast, co-chaired by Lee Schwartz and Mark Fraire, started with a Jump Around that had all the Rotarians on their feet in recognition of Tim’s strong Wisconsin roots. Then there was recognition of Tim’s most significant attributes, starting with his hair or lack thereof. His penchant to cry when moved emotionally was seen, not as a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength, love, caring and sexiness. His college exploits at Whitewater in baseball and table tennis were extolled.

Photo 1: From left: Michelle McGrath, Paul Riehemann, Wes Sparkman, Renee Moe, Ellsworth Brown and Tim Stadelman sitting at the head table; Photo 2: Mark Fraire gets everyone to “Jump Around”; Photo 3: The head table “Jumping Around!”

WHAT IF…..Photo 1: “Tim” became a world star table tennis player; or Photo 2: “Tim” was a Rock Star interviewed on the red carpet by Tina Fey; instead, Photo 3:  “Tim” complains about his accounting homework at UW-Whitewater

While at Whitewater, Tim had some difficulties with his major in accounting, and had concerns that he might not succeed. So he thought of other possible fields of endeavor. Perhaps he could return to cheese-making. A long shot would be to play in a Rock and Roll band. What if a career in professional table tennis could lead to fame and glory? As he nervously pondered these possibilities, his accounting professor announced that he had passed his final exams. So then he applied for a job at several accounting firms – Enron, Arthur Anderson. Fortunately, they rejected his applications because a savior arose right here in Madison–J. H. Findorff & Son was looking for an individual with Tim’s unique talents. So today, Tim is living the good life in Madison, Wisconsin, with his wonderful wife, Lori, and family. Though he is still a young man, he has already achieved his goal of becoming President of one of the nation’s largest Rotary clubs.