MILWAUKEE — It has been 25 years since three ironworkers — William DeGrave, Jerome Starr and Jeffery Wishcer — were killed in a crane accident at then-Miller Park.
People gathered outside of the stadium near the statues and memorial that stand in their honor.
Crowds not only remembered those who have passed, but also recognized those who completed what is now American Family Field.
Zachariah Wischer was one of those in attendance Sunday. He is the son of fallen ironworker, Jeffrey Wishcer.
Zachariah Wischer was 10-years-old when he got the news his dad was never coming home. Now, with four children of his own, he tries to pass down the lessons his father taught him.
“I also try to be very involved with my children,” Zachariah Wischer said. “Being involved in as much activities with them and going and teaching them hard work.”
Zachariah Wischer said he has mixed emotions when attending events like this, including gratitude and sadness. Looking back, he said he is thankful for all his dad did for him.
“It's hard to not go and put it into words,” Zachariah Wischer said. “This is amazing, the turnout, going and seeing everything in remembrance for not only my dad, but the other two that had fallen.”
Some of the dignitaries who came to the ballpark for the remembrance included former Mayor of Milwaukee, John Norquist, and Brewers President of Business Operations, Rick Schlesinger.
“There's no better way to honor the three victims of the accident than by continuing to improve safety in the workplace,” Norquist said.
“American Family Field is the heart and soul of the community,” Schlesinger said. “The future of the Brewers is secured in the state of Wisconsin. We're proud that this team will stand the test of time, ushering baseball for the next generation.”
Before the game, the families of the fallen were honored in front of the Brewers faithful. Zachariah Wischer said there’s not a day that goes by where he doesn’t think of his dad.
“I wish he was here every day, so he could have met his grandchildren [and be] able to go and see how everything in life has come to be since that day,” Zachariah Wischer said.
