(Milwaukee, WI) — The International Ship Masters’ Association (ISMA) – Milwaukee Lodge 6, and Wisconsin Marine Historical Society announced today that they will present “29 Bells: A 50th Commemoration of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald and her Crew” on Monday, November 10, 2025, from 5 – 8 p.m. at the Cooperage MKE, 822 S. Water St., Milwaukee.
Launched in 1958, the Edmund Fitzgerald was lost a little after 7 p.m. on November 10, 1975, in a fierce hurricane-like storm on Lake Superior, eighteen miles northwest of Whitefish Bay. Despite much speculation, what caused the loss of the ship nicknamed “The Big Fitz” has never been resolved, remaining a mystery 50 years later. The 729-foot ship carried the label as “Queen of the Lakes” being the largest ship to sail the Great Lakes at that time. Her entire crew of twenty-nine went down with the ship, including seven from Wisconsin. The Wisconsin crew members included:
NAME AGE POSITION HOMETOWN
Frederick J. Beetcher 56 Porter Superior, Wisconsin
Oliver J. Champeau 41 Third Assistant Engineer Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Ransom E. Cundy 53 Watchman Superior, Wisconsin
Allen G. Kalmon 43 Second Cook Washburn, Wisconsin
Joseph W. Mazes 59 Special Maintenance Man Ashland, Wisconsin
John D. Simmons 63 Wheelsman Ashland, Wisconsin
Blaine H. Wilhelm 52 Oiler Moquah, Wisconsin
“The story and legacy of the Edmund Fitzgerald tragedy must continue to be told and remembered,” said Capt. Beth Fernandez / ISMA Milwaukee Lodge 6 – President and event Co-Chair. “It is a story of dangers faced, and sacrifices made by every crew member who sails on our Great Lakes — Then and now. It is important to remember these men and that is why we will read their names as part of the 29 Bells ceremony.”
The commemoration begins at 5 p.m. when doors open for a Meet & Greet. At precisely 6:10 p.m. — The approximate time the Fitzgerald was lost on Lake Superior — A ship’s bell ringing in honor of the 29 crew members will take place. At 6:30 p.m. those attending will hear from speakers with personal connections to the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, including two U.S. Coast Guard responders and a personal friend of a victim.
Ticket prices are $20 in advance and $40 at the door if space permits. Pre-sale ends on November 5th. To purchase tickets on-line, visit shipmaster.org/lodge-6. The first two hundred tickets sold will receive a commemorative challenge coin and gift bag.
“This is not a fundraiser,” said Kathie Gordon, Wisconsin Marine Historical Society Board of Trustees, and event Co-chair. “But we are seeking sponsors to help defray the costs of this very special event.”
Sponsorship levels are Fleet Captain – $1,000, Captain – $500, and Ship’s Boatswain – $350. To sponsor the event, send an e-mail to 29Bells@milwaukeelodge6.org. Current sponsors of “29 Bells: A 50th Commemoration of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald and her Crew” include David and Julia Uihlein, Jerry’s Silo Marina, and Lake Express Ferry.
For more information on the International Ship Masters’ Association and Milwaukee Lodge 6, visit shipmaster.org. For more information on the Wisconsin Marine Historical Society visit wmhs.org.
