The Gilman Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2025 by the Gilman School District. The Gilman Memorial Scholarship Fund is comprised of funds from the William Sivertson, Stanley J. & Elaine B. Lato, and Ken Braeger Scholarship Funds.  Funds were established by donors who wanted to remember their loved ones by supporting scholarship awards.

Ken Braeger was a graduate of the School District of Gilman who received a degree in agriculture from UW River Falls.

Committed to giving back to the community they cherished, Stanley and Elaine established the Stanley J. and Elaine B. Lato Scholarship Fund to help graduating students pursue higher education.

Stanley Lato was born and raised in Thorp, Wisconsin. After serving in the Navy, he returned home and began farming alongside his father. Eventually, Stanley established his own farm in Gilman, where he and his wife Elaine raised their family.

Elaine, originally from Rice Lake, Wisconsin, worked in the Twin Cities. The couple met while Stanley was visiting family, and they later married. Together, they had six children—five daughters and one son. Their only son eventually took over the family dairy farm.

Stanley's parents, Felix and Josephine Lato, immigrated from Poland and laid the foundation for the family's farming legacy. Stanley’s mother was especially supportive, helping Elaine adapt to the farming lifestyle and becoming an integral part of their agricultural life.

Both Stanley and Elaine also pursued college degrees later in life—in their late 40s or early 50s—further reflecting their deep belief in the value of education. This commitment to lifelong learning became a core part of their family values and an inspiration for the scholarship fund they created.

As the Fund grows and more alumni become involved, the scope of the Fund will be expanded.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE ONLINE

Checks can be mailed to:
ECCF/Gilman Memorial Scholarship Fund
7 S. Dewey St., Suite 200
Eau Claire, WI 54701