Our Story

About our community, our story, our team.

Denmark, Wisconsin, is a charming village with a rich history. It was founded by Danish immigrants in 1848 and has been known for its strong sense of community and vibrant local culture. Denmark is a rapidly growing community due to its proximity to larger metro areas like Green Bay and Manitowoc. With a population of around 2,400, the Village offers a unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. Denmark boasts a thriving downtown area, beautiful parks, and a commitment to fostering growth and connection among its residents. The community is also a hub for cheese and dairy production, thanks to its agricultural roots. Whether you’re exploring its historical sites or participating in community events, Denmark offers a unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities.

OneDenmark is a nonprofit community development organization formed in 2019 with a vision to help residents of all ages in the Denmark area connect, belong, and thrive. Community studies revealed that Denmark lacked spaces and programming to meet the community’s basic health and safety needs. The impact of the pandemic in 2020 and the loss of the Brown County Library branch further raised awareness of these community needs. Through community listening and visioning sessions, OneDenmark’s primary goal became to create a combined Community Center and Library.

Today and Tomorrow

In October 2024 OneDenmark acquired the former Early Childhood Center and received a grant of $4.025 million from the Wisconsin Department of Administration. The grant money will help us renovate approximately 16,000 square feet of the building, including the library, internet café, and community meeting space, and provide broadband technology to support education, employment, and healthcare. The gymnasium will be a key part of the community center activities, along with creating a fitness center and programs to support healthy bodies and minds. Over the next few months, Somerville Architects & Engineers will work with the OneDenmark and the Brown County Library team to finalize the building plans and develop a construction timeline. Construction will begin in July 2025 and will be fully operational in 2026.

OneDenmark Board of Trustees

Board President

Deb Kralovetz
Board Vice President

Luke Goral
Board Treasurer

Ryan Johanek
Board Secretary

Rev. Andrew Zoerb, STS
Board Member

Alan Mazna
Board Member

Tony Klaubauf
Board Member

Kathy Pletcher
Board Member

Heather Nohr-Valley
Board Member

Lori Wagner

Board President

Deb Kralovetz

Community Resident and Retired Teacher for the Denmark School District

What will the community center mean for the community? The Denmark Community Center and Library will be an engaging and thriving space offering educational, wellness, and recreational programming. Members of our community and the surrounding area will find that this is a place where they feel welcome and where they connect and build relationships. Together, we have the potential to create a center that will serve as a pillar in our community where all can connect, belong, and thrive.

 

Board Vice President

Luke Goral

Community Resident and District Administrator for the Denmark School District

Why are you involved in OneDenmark? I grew up in the Denmark School District and benefited from community activities and programs. After leaving Denmark for college and work, I returned to this great community with my wife to raise my two sons. I am involved in OneDenmark because I believe in the power and positive impact of a connected community. Having a community center with a library is a synergetic combination for community engagement, education, service, relationships, and overall well-being.

Board Treasurer

Ryan Johanek

Community Resident and Vice President of Business Lending at Community First Credit Union

What does the community center mean to you? When I grew up in Denmark, kids could go to the Shelter House and Rec Center in summer, after school, and on the weekends to meet up with friends, participate in different activities/games, play, be creative, and just be a kid. I built a lot of great friendships while at the Shelter House and Rec Center and am so thankful for Linda and Mary Mleziva, Julie Leubke, and Kevin Konkol for running these programs. They came up with different activities and tournaments to keep kids engaged and made everyone feel welcome. I loved growing up in Denmark, and I want to have a place that all community members look forward to going to, where they can meet up with friends, stay active, and feel welcome.

Board Secretary

Rev. Andrew Zoerb, STS

Community Resident and Pastor of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Denmark

Why is the mission of OneDenmark important to you? I had a hard time adjusting to the different communities I lived in as a child. I struggled to make connections, never really felt like I belonged, and didn’t see any way to thrive. Looking back, it wasn’t the community—it was me. I lived in some great communities, both large and small, but I never saw the value I brought to them. OneDenmark’s mission can help the young and the aged and everyone in between find their voice and their role in our community. When that happens, we can create a thriving network of stories and knowledge, of shared talents and perspectives. Together we are creating one Denmark where everyone can connect, belong, and thrive.

Board Member

Alan Mazna

Community Resident and Retired Dairy Farmer and Seed Salesmen for Dairyland Seed

Why are you involved in OneDenmark? I have been actively involved with several non-profits in our community, including the Denmark FFA Alumni, Denmark Youth Baseball and Softball, and the Denmark Norsemen Snowmobile Club. My involvement with OneDenmark stems from a desire to ensure that our community, both young and old, has a dedicated place to go for health, education, and recreation. I believe that by supporting OneDenmark, we are creating a hub that will improve growth, connection, and well-being for all residents.

Board Member

Tony Klaubauf

Community Resident and Retired District Administrator for the Denmark School District

Why is the mission of OneDenmark important to you? OneDenmark connects organizations, resources, and individuals, to build a stronger Denmark community.  With this as our vision, the Board of OneDenmark thought it was critical to have a building that brings people together, regardless of age. This is why we pursued the former Early Childhood Center when the building no longer fit the needs of the school district. With the Brown County Library bringing a branch back to Denmark, and plans for the building to connect generations, we will achieve our mission!

Board Member

Kathy Pletcher

Community Resident and Retired UW-Green Bay Administrator and Leadership Development Coach

Why are you involved in OneDenmark? I am a long-time resident of Denmark. I serve on the Brown County Library Board, the Nicolet Library System Board, and the Woodside Senior Communities Board. I believe in the critical role libraries and librarians play in early literacy development and fostering continuous education and personal growth. I serve on the OneDenmark Board because I believe in its mission to connect organizations, resources and individuals to build a stronger community. It is through helping one another learn and grow that our quality of life is sustained and enhanced. I am grateful to be part of the Denmark community!

Board Member

Heather Nohr-Valley

Former Community Resident and Director of Marketing and Branding with Somerville Architects and Engineers

Why are you involved in OneDenmark? I grew up in the Denmark community, surrounded by strong role models. One standout moment was when Ms. Thomas nominated me for Teen Leadership Green Bay, a program designed to empower community leaders to bring positive change. This experience challenged my thinking and helped me to understand the importance of building strong communities. Throughout the years that followed, her encouragement gave me the confidence to engage in every new environment I encountered. To me, Denmark is more than my childhood community. It is where I learned the value of encouragement, community, and mentorship. Just as Denmark is more than a village, the community center is more than just a building; it symbolizes our community’s spirit and future. By being part of OneDenmark, I am committed to fostering a vibrant future where we can all connect, belong, and thrive.

Board Member

Lori Wagner

Community Resident and Early Education Staff (3K) at All Saints School in Denmark.

Why are you involved in OneDenmark? I became involved with OneDenmark because I saw a need in our growing community for a safe place where ALL community members could gather. I wanted to be part of creating a place where community members could meet others, share their interests and talents, learn and grow through the library system, stay active and healthy, and feel a sense of welcome and belonging in our community!

Board President

Deb Kralovetz
Board Vice President

Luke Goral
Board Treasurer

Ryan Johanek
Board Secretary

Rev. Andrew Zoerb, STS
Board Member

Alan Mazna
Board Member

Tony Klaubauf
Board Member

Heather Nohr-Valley
Board Member

Kathy Pletcher
Board Member

Lori Wagner
Board President

Deb Kralovetz

Community Resident and Retired Teacher for the Denmark School District

What will the community center mean for the community? The Denmark Community Center and Library will be an engaging and thriving space offering educational, wellness, and recreational programming. Members of our community and the surrounding area will find that this is a place where they feel welcome and where they connect and build relationships. Together, we have the potential to create a center that will serve as a pillar in our community where all can connect, belong, and thrive.

 

Board Vice President

Luke Goral

Community Resident and District Administrator for the Denmark School District

Why are you involved in OneDenmark? I grew up in the Denmark School District and benefited from community activities and programs. After leaving Denmark for college and work, I returned to this great community with my wife to raise my two sons. I am involved in OneDenmark because I believe in the power and positive impact of a connected community. Having a community center with a library is a synergetic combination for community engagement, education, service, relationships, and overall well-being.

Board Treasurer

Ryan Johanek

Community Resident and Vice President of Business Lending at Community First Credit Union

What does the community center mean to you? When I grew up in Denmark, kids could go to the Shelter House and Rec Center in summer, after school, and on the weekends to meet up with friends, participate in different activities/games, play, be creative, and just be a kid. I built a lot of great friendships while at the Shelter House and Rec Center and am so thankful for Linda and Mary Mleziva, Julie Leubke, and Kevin Konkol for running these programs. They came up with different activities and tournaments to keep kids engaged and made everyone feel welcome. I loved growing up in Denmark, and I want to have a place that all community members look forward to going to, where they can meet up with friends, stay active, and feel welcome.

Board Secretary

Rev. Andrew Zoerb, STS

Community Resident and Pastor of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Denmark

Why is the mission of OneDenmark important to you? I had a hard time adjusting to the different communities I lived in as a child. I struggled to make connections, never really felt like I belonged, and didn’t see any way to thrive. Looking back, it wasn’t the community—it was me. I lived in some great communities, both large and small, but I never saw the value I brought to them. OneDenmark’s mission can help the young and the aged and everyone in between find their voice and their role in our community. When that happens, we can create a thriving network of stories and knowledge, of shared talents and perspectives. Together we are creating one Denmark where everyone can connect, belong, and thrive.

Board Member

Alan Mazna

Community Resident and Retired Dairy Farmer and Seed Salesmen for Dairyland Seed

Why are you involved in OneDenmark? I have been actively involved with several non-profits in our community, including the Denmark FFA Alumni, Denmark Youth Baseball and Softball, and the Denmark Norsemen Snowmobile Club. My involvement with OneDenmark stems from a desire to ensure that our community, both young and old, has a dedicated place to go for health, education, and recreation. I believe that by supporting OneDenmark, we are creating a hub that will improve growth, connection, and well-being for all residents.

Board Member

Tony Klaubauf

Community Resident and Retired District Administrator for the Denmark School District

Why is the mission of OneDenmark important to you? OneDenmark connects organizations, resources, and individuals, to build a stronger Denmark community.  With this as our vision, the Board of OneDenmark thought it was critical to have a building that brings people together, regardless of age. This is why we pursued the former Early Childhood Center when the building no longer fit the needs of the school district. With the Brown County Library bringing a branch back to Denmark, and plans for the building to connect generations, we will achieve our mission!

Board Member

Heather Nohr-Valley

Former Community Resident and Director of Marketing and Branding with Somerville Architects and Engineers

Why are you involved in OneDenmark? I grew up in the Denmark community, surrounded by strong role models. One standout moment was when Ms. Thomas nominated me for Teen Leadership Green Bay, a program designed to empower community leaders to bring positive change. This experience challenged my thinking and helped me to understand the importance of building strong communities. Throughout the years that followed, her encouragement gave me the confidence to engage in every new environment I encountered. To me, Denmark is more than my childhood community. It is where I learned the value of encouragement, community, and mentorship. Just as Denmark is more than a village, the community center is more than just a building; it symbolizes our community’s spirit and future. By being part of OneDenmark, I am committed to fostering a vibrant future where we can all connect, belong, and thrive.

Board Member

Kathy Pletcher

Community Resident and Retired UW-Green Bay Administrator and Leadership Development Coach

Why are you involved in OneDenmark? I am a long-time resident of Denmark. I serve on the Brown County Library Board, the Nicolet Library System Board, and the Woodside Senior Communities Board. I believe in the critical role libraries and librarians play in early literacy development and fostering continuous education and personal growth. I serve on the OneDenmark Board because I believe in its mission to connect organizations, resources and individuals to build a stronger community. It is through helping one another learn and grow that our quality of life is sustained and enhanced. I am grateful to be part of the Denmark community!

Board Member

Lori Wagner

Community Resident and Early Education Staff (3K) at All Saints School in Denmark.

Why are you involved in OneDenmark? I became involved with OneDenmark because I saw a need in our growing community for a safe place where ALL community members could gather. I wanted to be part of creating a place where community members could meet others, share their interests and talents, learn and grow through the library system, stay active and healthy, and feel a sense of welcome and belonging in our community!

Our Mission

OneDenmark serves to connect organizations, resources, and individuals to build a stronger Denmark community.

Our Vision

Connecting the opportunities of today with the possibilities of tomorrow.

Community Response

An opportunity to be active in the community. I am looking forward to the workout spaces & rooms to rent.

- Linda

Opportunity to have programs and resources all under one roof & will enhance our community for all ages.

- Debbie Goral

I am looking forward to a meeting place for groups of like-minded people to meet, such as book clubs and similar study groups.

- Kristin Urban

Great memories of my son’s basketball camps/games and to keep this institution going! What a great project!

- Linda Feller

A place to meet friends and neighbors.

- Anonymous

Pickleball & the library!

- Dawn R.

It will be an amazing positive focal point of Denmark. Most importantly, we are looking forward to a center that brings all ages together.

- Katherine Roth

Bringing different generations together; learning from one another; giving Denmark students a place to go after school; giving seminars and educating about life.

- Max Roth

Opportunity to help more people with my talents.

- Kevin Konkol

A fitness center close to home & better health.

- Anonymous

Project Partners

This is a partnership between OneDenmark and the Brown County Library and the Denmark Community Cupboard.