Founder of the Harken Observatory, Olaf got his interest in astronomy while he served as an officer on a destroyer in the Pacific. Standing watch in the middle of the night, the dark sky was brazened with star light. He wanted to know more, and years later after a successful business, he joined others to form the Pewaukee Astronomy Club. It had a unique position in that while they were constructing the new library in Pewaukee, they included the platform for an observatory to house a 12 inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. It may be the only observatory on top of a public library. If there is an interest in learning more about the sky, there are billions and billions to choose from including planets, black holes, nebulas, asteroids, comets, galaxies and many kinds of stars. Olaf is also one of the founders of Harken Inc. Harken, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and distributor of innovative sailboat hardware and accessories. Headquartered in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, Harken manufactures in the USA and Italy. Its network includes distribution in 48 countries.
Club President - Jim is one of the founding members of the Pewaukee Astronomy Club. He is a Chief Engineer at GE Healthcare where he has worked for over 40 years and is a licensed Professional Engineer from the state of Wisconsin. He is blessed with his lovely wife of over 40+ years and with his 4 married daughters and his 13 grandchildren (and counting)... who will undoubtedly become future astronomers!
Club Vice President - Randy is a long-time club member and the brains behind the observatory equipment.
Mike Paquette
Former Club President - Mike has always been in awe of the heavens beyond our sky. He joined the club in 2006 to learn more about the infinite wonders of this universe we are part of as well as to share that experience with others who share a similar interest. Mike served as club president up until 2025 and brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and positive enthusiasm to the club. He and his wife, Cathy, recently made the decision to buy a home further south for the winter and handed over the club reins to Jim, who himself has been a club member since day one. Mike continues to attend and participate in meetings and events during the warmer months while he's in town.
Astronomer - With a lifetime interest in astronomy after seeing saturn through a small telescope as a kid, Tom's primary interest is nightscape photography.
Astronomer
Astronomer
Astronomer - Tim joined PAC in 2024 after developing an interest in astronomy shortly before joining. Eager to learn, he saw joining the club as the best way to immerse himself in the field and gain knowledge firsthand. He is also a member of the Milwaukee Astronomical Society, where he has served as a board member since 2025. Tim’s first telescope was a 4.5” Orion StarBlast reflector, which he purchased in 2024. It proved to be an excellent beginner instrument and a great introduction to astronomy. As his interest grew—particularly in astrophotography—he added a Seestar S30 to his collection. Whenever weather permits, Tim makes it a priority to get outside and explore all that the night sky has to offer. He lives in Wauwatosa with his wife and daughter.
Astronomer - Mike, having joined in January 2025, is a long time observer and relatively new astrophotographer. His imaging setup spans several scopes, including the Celestron Origin, Seestar S30 Pro, RedCat 51, and a 6" Sharpstar, while a 7" Celestron Maksutov-Cassegrain is his go-to for observing the Moon and planets. When he's not chasing photons, he's tinkering with computers, 3D printing, Lego, or playing/building guitars and basses. As a keyholder to the observatory, Mike is always happy to open the dome for anyone who wants to come take a look.