Laurie grew up in Milwaukee, then Germantown, where she would graduate from Germantown High School. Growing up, her family instilled the love of history, trains, and antiques. Many family trips were to historical sites where she would value the people and events that impacted their communities. She and her husband, along with their kids, moved to Oconomowoc in 2003. She quickly found Oconomowoc rich in history as well as full of opportunities to become involved with the community. Laurie knew this was the place for her.
About Laurie Muffler
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband, Ray, and I met in 1987 while working for the Circulation Department at the Milwaukee Journal. We were married in 1995 and started our family in 1996. We are blessed with 3 wonderful young adults who are now in their 20’s and our dachshund Ollie.
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
It all started with a buried locomotive in Oconomowoc that piqued my interest in researching history in the Oconomowoc area. I went to the Oconomowoc Museum and found an article from 1914 about a locomotive and tender car that were buried when the Carnation plant was built. The area was too marshy and the locomotive sank, it’s still there today. When I saw pictures of old buildings I wanted to know where they were once located. I would visit the site and take pictures of what it looks like today next to the old picture.
This was so interesting to me that I started a Facebook page called Oconomowoc Area – Then and Now about six years ago. I enjoy researching the history of our area and every week I’m finding something new that I didn’t know before. Starting with downtown Oconomowoc, I’ve been piecing together the businesses that were once in each building, several go back to the mid-1800’s. Oconomowoc is known for being the World Premiere of the Wizard of Oz, one of the first cities to show the film. Oconomowoc also held the first United States Olympic speed skating time trials in 1928, on Fowler Lake. My passion is to keep the history alive in our community.
I also started the Oconomowoc History & Food Tours in conjunction with Oconomowoc Tours and Events. This takes us throughout downtown Oconomowoc to experience the gems of our beautiful lake community. I also do a walking tour through LaBelle Cemetery where we look at dates, the ornate sculptures and learn the history of those that are buried there, including Green Bay Packers great, Henry Jordan.
Currently, I work at Towner Crest Senior Living as an Administrative Receptionist. My Mom lived there for about a year and half. I enjoyed visiting her and being at Towner Crest. A few months after she passed away, I applied and started working as a receptionist. I look forward to seeing the residents and staff; this position truly brings joy. My family growing up taught me the value of giving back to your community by volunteering. I enjoy my involvement with local organizations such as the Oconomowoc Junior Women’s Club, Oconomowoc Area Historical Society & Museum, John S. Rockwell Questers, and Oconomowoc Area Senior Center. I also add treasures to my booth at Fox Lake Country Antique Mall.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
I love talking with everyone and getting to know people. I especially enjoy sharing the history of the Oconomowoc area with everyone, either in person or on social media. There’s so much history in our area that I want to keep alive. With volunteering, I enjoy helping people in every way I can.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
Reading the positive feedback on my history page and having people post their memories.
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
I plan on adding a few more history tours in Oconomowoc. In addition, I will be updating The Questers’ Guide to Historic Oconomowoc.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
My advice would be to seek a job that you are excited to go to each day. And to get involved in your community. It’s a great way to meet people and make a difference.
Laurie Muffler & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
I enjoy taking pictures around Oconomowoc, each time I see something new that I haven’t noticed before. I also enjoy attending all the events throughout the year, we are fortunate to have so many family friendly events.
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
Everyone that I’ve met has been so interesting. Their stories and questions have inspired me to keep researching.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
I enjoy all the restaurants in the Oconomowoc area, especially going to Whelan’s- Blueberry Baked Oatmeal, Maxim’s at the Depot- Mixed Berry Crepe Combo, Violet Table- Cranberry Chicken Sandwich & Homemade Soups and each of those for their wonderful desserts.
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Historic, family oriented and beautiful.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I was a producer and host of a local access cable TV show called Rockin’ the Cable Show. I interviewed local and national bands/musicians for several years, some of which you may recognize like Dennis DeYoung from Styx, Roger Hodgson from Supertramp, and the band Nelson.
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
My favorite song is “Lady” by Styx. I remember hearing it played all the time on the AM radio when I was younger. Styx is still my favorite band.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My children.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
Non-Alcoholic Pina Colada.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be with? Why?
My parents, I miss them so much. There’s so many things I would like to tell them.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To visit Lake Louise, Slovakia or England.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
Spending time with my family and also going to my Craft Camps.
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
Be kind to others.
Nice To Meet You:
I believe in positively impacting my clients and the community I live in, which is why I jumped at the chance to be an ambassador with “The Faces of Lake Country”. It’s a perfect blend of why I enjoy being a Realtor with Shorewest, Realtors, and everything I love about living in Lake Country.
I truly enjoy being a part of this community and helping others along the way. Prior to real estate, I was an Office Supervisor for the City of Waukesha Park & Recreation Department. During this time, I had the opportunity to work with many business owners and serve the general public. It was there that I realized that it really does take a village to make a community great and each and every one of us plays an important role.
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