SHEBOYGAN COUNTY – Dads are mentors and supporters throughout the year, but Father’s Day is a special time to show gratitude for the amazing fathers in our lives.
People who responded to our callout for the Fathers of the Year list said the dads in their lives are devoted to their families, show up for important life moments, and help their kids feel like they can take on any challenge that comes their way.
Here is our 2026 Fathers of the Year list.
Perry Kaiser, for being compassionate and devoted to his family
Rianna Kaiser nominated her husband, Perry, for the Fathers of the Year list. Here’s what she said:
He is the most compassionate, hardworking, dedicated and inspiring father/husband/person I know. I may be biased as his wife of almost 20 years, but I know many people would agree. He is the type of man that will drop whatever he is doing to help someone in need. He is also an amazing girl dad to his two daughters. He always makes sure they are safe and happy. He’s devoted to family! Always there for his mom, siblings, his nieces and nephews, his in-laws and all extended family. He is the one person that they go to for support, and he deserves all the recognition in the world!
One of Perry’s daughters, Luci, also nominated him:
He is super kind and funny. He does pretty much all the work around the house and makes sure me, my sister and especially, my mom all are happy. I love him and I appreciate him so much!
Marcos Alvarez, for giving his children specialized attention
Sonia Smith nominated her brother, Marcos. Here’s what she said:
He is a single father of three. He takes his kids to the park, has individual “daddy” time with them, takes them out to community events, Brewers games, and school events. He has taken his daughter to daddy date night two years in a row and his oldest son to movie premieres. He works really hard to provide for them.
Ryan Glaeser, for supporting his family
Macy and Kellen Glaeser nominated their dad, Ryan. Here’s what Macy said:
He’s really cool and does so much for me and my mom and brother. He’s the one that does the most to keep our family together and strong. He is always there to support me when I need help or guidance when I don’t know what to do. And he always knows just what to say to make me feel better. No matter what, family is most important to him and he never gives up. My dad is always motivating me to do my very best in life and he is the one person that makes me feel like I can take on any challenge and succeed. I’m grateful to have him, and I wouldn’t ever want any other dad.
Mike Austin, John Holbach and Matthew Fogle, for helping raise the children in their family
Kariana Fogle nominated her father Mike Austin, who passed away in February. She said, “He was always there for his children and grandkids and loved us with everything in him!”
Fogle also nominated her stepdad, John Holbach. “He chose to step up as a father figure when I was 2 years old! He has helped me with his grandkids and helped me go through the loss of my father,” she said.
Fogle nominated her brother, Matthew Fogle, too, for being “an amazing father to my nephew and raised him so amazing so far!”
Ian Presley Schebel, for being a No. 1 dad
Gina Carlone nominated Ian Presley Schebel, saying, “No. 1 dad raising the coolest No. 1 kiddo. Ian deserves recognition for being a true Father of the Year.”
John Mallmann, for showing up every time
Missy Mallmann nominated her father, John Mallmann. Here’s what she said:
My dad is the proud father of five daughters, grandfather to 11 grandchildren and great-grandfather to two great-grandchildren. While those titles alone are impressive, they only begin to describe the incredible man he is. Throughout my life, my dad has been my biggest supporter, my greatest encourager and one of my most trusted advisers. No matter what goal I pursue, what challenge I face or what decision I make, he stands beside me with unwavering love and support. He has never placed conditions on his encouragement. He simply shows up — every single time — with his whole heart. My dad physically sat in the audience and watched me graduate from high school in my hometown. Years later, he traveled to Milwaukee to watch me walk across the stage at the Milwaukee Panther Arena and receive my bachelor’s degree. When I became a Probation & Parole agent, he traveled to Madison to witness me take my oath at the State Capitol. Most recently, he attended the SPD Annual Banquet at the Yacht Club, where he proudly watched me receive the Civilian of the Year Award for 2026. Every accomplishment in my life has been made even more meaningful because my dad was there to share in those moments with me. But what truly defines my father is not just how he celebrates the good times. It is how he shows up during the hardest times. One of the most difficult days of my life was when my beloved 16-year-old dog, Sammy, was passing away in my arms. I was overwhelmed with grief and experiencing a full panic attack. I was unable to drive him to the veterinary clinic myself. Without hesitation, my dad arrived at my house within minutes. He gently held Sammy in his arms as he drove him to the clinic, helping me through one of the most heartbreaking moments I have ever faced. His calm presence, compassion, and love carried me through that day. That is who my dad is. He has always had my back. He has always shown up. He has always answered the call, no matter the circumstance. He offers wisdom without judgment, advice without criticism and encouragement without limits. He has spent a lifetime showing his family what unconditional love looks like through his actions, not just his words. And this is only my story. If my four sisters knew I was submitting this nomination on his behalf, I know they would each have countless stories of their own about the sacrifices he has made, the lessons he has taught and the love he has given so freely throughout our lives. My dad has touched the lives of his daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and everyone fortunate enough to know him. He embodies what it means to be a father — not only through the family he has raised, but through the constant love, support, strength and devotion he demonstrates every day.
Contact Alex Garner at 224-374-2332 or agarner@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Sheboygan 2026 Fathers of the Year devoted to family, guide children
Reporting by Alex Garner, Sheboygan Press / Sheboygan Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Alex Garner, Sheboygan Press | USA TODAY Network
