For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: June 25, 2026
Years of Hugs: Timmerman to retire from Child Care Center after nearly 40 years
Fennimore -
After more nearly four decades dedicated to caring for children and supporting student families, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Child Care Center Lab Assistant Paula Timmerman, from rural Cuba City, will retire June 30.
Timmerman’s connection to Southwest Tech began as a student. A 1982 graduate of Southwestern High School in Hazel Green, she enrolled at Southwest Tech and completed the Early Childhood Education program in 1983. She later continued taking classes and earned her associate degree.
Following graduation, Timmerman worked for four years at a childcare center in Dubuque before returning to Southwest Tech. She joined the college’s Child Care Center in September 1987 and has spent the past 38 years serving children and families on campus. Combined with her previous experience, she leaves the profession after 42 years in early childhood education.
Throughout her career, Timmerman primarily worked with 2-year-olds, an age group she describes as rewarding and full of opportunities for growth. “I enjoy being around children,” she said. “It’s so rewarding to see them learn a basic skill and then conquer it all on their own.”
She recalled recently watching a young child successfully put on his shoes without assistance for the first time. While it may seem like a small accomplishment, moments like that have made her work meaningful.
Timmerman said one of the most remarkable aspects of her career has been watching generations of families come through the Child Care Center. Today, she cares for children whose parents were once in her classroom. “It doesn’t even seem possible,” she said. “I took care of the kids, and now I’m taking care of their children.”
She credits much of her longevity to the relationships she built with children, families and colleagues over the years. “My Southwest Tech family is huge,” said Timmerman. “It was enjoyable, and I made memories of a lifetime.”
To honor her retirement, a flower garden will be placed near the Child Care Center. Timmerman said she looks forward to returning in the future to see it in bloom. The inscription on the plaques will read: “Paula’s Garden. In celebration of Paula Timmerman’s 38 years of service to the Southwest Tech Child Care Center,” and “Teachers plant seeds that grow forever.”
In retirement, Timmerman plans to spend time relaxing and enjoying her family.
