KENOSHA, Wis. — Four longtime Kenosha community leaders who died in 2025 and 2026 will be honored later this month during the City of Kenosha’s annual Arbor Day observance, with memorial trees planted in their names at parks across the city.
The Arbor Day commemorations will take place April 24 and will recognize John Hawley, Dr. Paul Capelli, William “Bill” Rice Jr. and Michael Wells for their lasting impact on the community.
The first ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. at Petzke Park, 2820 14th Ave., where a Ginkgo tree will be planted in memory of Hawley. Hawley, who died Jan. 13 at age 68, was a longtime business representative for LIUNA Local No. 113 and retired in 2024. He was known for his support of labor unions and his love of gardening, bird watching, traveling and Wisconsin sports teams.
At 9:45 a.m., a Red Maple tree will be planted at Pennoyer Park, 3601 Seventh Ave., in honor of Capelli. Capelli died Sept. 17, 2025, at age 93. He spent more than four decades serving as a physician in Kenosha and helped establish Aurora Medical Center in the city. He also served on the Kenosha Unified School District Board of Education and remained active in volunteer work after retirement.
Rice will be honored at 10:30 a.m. at Simmons Island Park, 5001 Fourth Ave., with the planting of a Northern Red Oak tree. Rice, who died Feb. 18, 2025, at age 94, served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War before returning home to work for the Kenosha Fire Department, where he retired as a lieutenant in 1993.
The final ceremony will be held at 11:15 a.m. at Eichelman Park, 6125 Third Ave., where an Exclamation Sycamore tree will be planted in honor of Wells. Wells, who died Sept. 11, 2025, at age 83, led Frank L. Wells Company and was known for his volunteerism, mentorship and service on numerous local boards and organizations.
City officials said the programs are open to the public and encouraged residents to attend and pay tribute to the four men.
This year marks the 44th consecutive year that Kenosha has been recognized as a Tree City USA community through the National Arbor Day Foundation because of its forestry policies and programs.
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