2006 Navarino Rangers Hall of Fame Inductees
Kevin Thiel
Kevin played for the Rangers from 1984 thru 1995. The statistics that we have on Kevin’s pitching career for the years 1989 thru 1991 & 1994 are 53 Games, 39 Wins, 6 Losses, and 2 Saves. When a batter did reach first base Kevin was known for his excellent pick off move to 1st base. Kevin was a member of 8 Dairyland grand championship teams.   
Eli Hilliker
Eli was a part of the Navarino “Galesburg” organization for many years. Eli started playing ball in the late 1940’s. Eli also managed the Rangers in the 1940’s & 50’s. After retiring as a player and manager Eli ran the concessions stand for 20 plus years. Eli also sponsored the ranger organization through his grocery store for many years.
Wendy “ Breezy “ Pues
Wendy started playing baseball for Navarino in the 1940’s and was active in the organization into the 1970’s. Breezy was primarily a catcher in his playing days. Although no stats are available from Breezy’s playing days he was a very good hitter. He managed at different times in his career and managed the first undefeated team in the Dairyland league in the 1960’s. At one time the Rangers were nicknamed Breezy’s Bombers when Wendy managed the ball team.
Jerry Herb
Jerry was a pitcher for Navarino in the early 1960’s. Jerry was the winning pitcher for the Navarino Rangers when they captured their first Grandchampionship title in 1960. Jerry was a very good hitter and was considered an excellent pitcher. He was known as a very steady all around ballplayer.
Jack Dingeldein
Jack started playing base for Navarino when he was 14 years old and played until he reached the age of 42. Jack played all positions on the team except for pitching. He was the catcher for 16 years and moved around at other positions through out his career with Navarino. Jack is a past president of the Navarino Athletic Association and the Dairyland League.
Ed Krohlow
Eddie started play for Navarino “Galesburg” in 1934 at the age of 16. Ed primary position was 1st base and also played some center field. He was on the All-Star Team for 9 consecutive years. One statistic Ed is proud of is once played the entire season without striking out until his last at bat that year. Ed was involved with organization for over 50 years as a player, manager and umpire. Ed was instrumental doing a lot of work on new ball field in 1948

2007 Navarino Rangers Hall of Fame Inductees
Wally & Lorraine Bisterfeldt
Wally and Lorraine have been attending Navarino Ranger games for 30 years. As a grade school teacher in Navarino Lorraine has taught many of the ball players over the years. Three of her students are playing today Chris Herb and Mike & Scott Dingeldein. Wally & Lorraine feel there is no better way to spend a Sunday afternoon being with friends and watching a Navarino Rangers game.
Lee “Lefty” Neumann
Lefty played for Navarino for 15 years. Lefty pitched and played 1st base. Some of Lefty’s most memorable moments were the 1-0 victory he pitched against the undefeated Bonduel Bronco’s. Lefty also remembers batting 4 for 5 and hitting his only home run of his career against Nichols in a 7-6 Navarino win.
Jeff “Jiffy” Richter
Jeff played for the Rangers for 20 years from the late 1970’s thru the early 90’s. Jeff played mostly in the outfield. In 1985 Jeff was the Rangers batting champion with a batting average of .456 for the year. In his career Jiffy always maintained a batting average above .300 and at one point went 3 years with only 12 strikeouts. Jeff was a member of 6 Dairyland League Grandchampionship teams. Jeff’s son Justin plays for the Rangers today.
Arlyn Pues
Arlyn played baseball for 32 years. He was primarily a catcher while also playing 1st base later in his career. Although no stats are available from his playing days he was a very good hitter. Arlyn’s most memorable moments were the great memories playing with friends and 3 of his brothers. Arlyn was a member of the 1960 Grandchampionship Team.

2008 Navarino Rangers Hall of Fame Inductees
Dan “Gomer” Diemel
Dan “Gomer” has been involved well over 30 years with the Ranger organization. He was a former player, held various roles on the “Board of Directors”, always involved with diamond and grounds maintenance, concessions and now an outstanding fan. Dan’s father and 2 sons also played in Navarino. His more memorable moments as a player were going 6 for 6 against Hofa Park and hitting 3 consecutive home runs on another occasion.


Steve Daebler
Steve has been affiliated with the Navarino Rangers for 30+ years. During that time he had played 10 years, helped with grounds and for the last 20 years the voice of the Rangers in the Press Box. Most memorable moment for Steve was one of his first at bats at 17 years old. He was given the sign by Breezy to lay down a suicide bunt with Arly “One Eye” Pues coming down 3rd baseline yelling obscenities at Steve to make contact. Skill or fear, success was achieved.
Bruce Landsverk
Bruce was born in Navarino and at 8 years old his family moved to Neenah. As a young boy he spent most of the summer months at his grandparent’s home in Navarino, as his passion was to attend the baseball games and some day play. He started as the batboy and then in 1960 his dream finally came true. He was 15 and was part of the Navarino baseball team. Bruce played from 1960-1972 as he played every position at one point but mainly at 3rd or shortstop. Bruce batted over .400 with 60 to 70 home runs during his tenure. Most memorable moments, the camaraderie at Josie’s after the games.
Rayce Pues
Rayce has been around the ballpark since he can remember. Either shagging baseballs for 10 cents, preparing the diamond with his dad “Breezy”, as the batboy, and then 10+ years as a player. Rayce has supported the organization in numerous ways but most recently his 20+ years as the team’s statistician. His fondest memories were playing on an undefeated regular season with his dad for the team known at the time as “Breezy’s Bombers” and playing on the same team as his youngest brother Kobey.
Barney and Ruth Theyel
Barney and Ruth have lived in Navarino their whole lives. There was nothing more enjoyable for them, than to be at a baseball game on a Sunday afternoon. Barney helped build the current diamond and was always there after church dragging and preparing the diamond. Besides the love of the game and friendships, they were blessed with a son “Don” as a manager, a grandson “Gary”, a pitcher on numerous championship teams and 3 grandsons, Bret and Nick Nowak and Josh Theyel, all who played for the Navarino Rangers. Though Barney is no longer with us, our memories are with him, Ruth and the entire Theyel family for their contributions to the Navarino Ranger organization.

2009 Navarino Rangers Hall of Fame Inductees
Rick Davis
Rick was a part of the Ranger organization for 25 years. Retiring as a player in 1999 and managing thru the 2004 season. Some of Rick’s most memorable moments are being the Bonduel Tournament MVP in 1981. Winning 3 Dairyland League Grand Championships in a row. The 1994 undefeated team with a record of 16-0. Rick was a member of 6 Dairyland League Grandchampionship teams 1984, 85,86,1994.95 and 2003. Rick considers it an honor to have worn the ranger blue in front of the best fans in the world.

Jack Herb
Jack played for Navarino for a number of years. Jack played on the 1960 Grand championship team. Jack is remembered for excellent hitting and long home runs. He was a center fielder. Jack’s playing career was cut short after his father’s death when he took over the family farm.

Pete Hartlaben
Pete played for the Rangers from 1973 thru1990 and also was a past Board of Director for the Ranger organization. Pete played center field. Pete’s most memorable season was in 1978 playing for the Rangers nicknamed “Breezy’s Bombers” as it was an undefeated season. Pete was a member of 5 Dairyland League Grand Championship teams 1984,85,86,88 and 1990. Pete remembers all the players, fans and friends he made and met through the years that he wouldn’t have met if not playing baseball.

Inductees