Commemoration of three workers who died in a crane accident

MILWAUKEE – Twenty-five years have passed since three ironworkers – William DeGrave, Jerome Starr and Jeffery Wishcer – were killed in a crane accident in what was then Miller Park.

People gathered outside the stadium near the statues and monument erected in their honor.

The crowds not only remembered those who have died, but also paid tribute to those who completed what is now American Family Field.

One of those present on Sunday was Zachariah Wischer, the son of the late ironworker Jeffrey Wishcer.

Zachariah Wischer was 10 years old when he got the news that his father was never coming home. Now, with four children of his own, he tries to pass on the lessons his father taught him.

(Spectrum News/Geno Perez)

“I also try to spend a lot of time with my children,” said Zachariah Wischer. “I participate in as many activities as possible with them and teach them to work hard.”

Zachariah Wischer said he has mixed emotions when attending events like this, including gratitude and sadness. Looking back, he said he is grateful for everything his father did for him.

“It’s hard not to go and put it into words,” said Zachariah Wischer. “It’s incredible, the turnout, to go and see everything, not only in memory of my father, but also the other two who died.”

(Spectrum News/Geno Perez)

Dignitaries who came to the stadium for the memorial service included former Milwaukee Mayor John Norquist and Rick Schlesinger, Brewers president of business operations.

“There is no better way to honor the three victims of the accident than to continue to improve workplace safety,” Norquist said.

“American Family Field is the heart and soul of the community,” Schlesinger said. “The Brewers’ future is secure in the state of Wisconsin. We are proud that this team will stand the test of time and shape baseball for the next generation.”

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Before the game, the families of the fallen were honored in front of the Brewers’ loyal fans. Zachariah Wischer said not a day goes by that he doesn’t think of his father.

“I wish he were here every day so he could have met his grandchildren and seen how life has changed since that day,” Zachariah Wischer said.

(Spectrum News/Geno Perez)