Rotary Club of Grantsburg

How many years have you been a Rotary member in Grantsburg? Since April 1, 1999.

Why did you become a Rotary member? I was encouraged to join by Richard Frees, whose business I had purchased.

What is your favorite thing about being a Rotarian? The connections with local community, and avenues to serve not only locally but in a broader sense.

What is one of your greatest achievements as a Rotarian? I have been the Treasurer or the Club continuously since 1989.

What is your classification (professional title)? CPA (Certified Public Accountant)

Briefly describe your professional background. Tax, audit and bookkeeping specialist for public clients since 1978.

Tell us an interesting fact(s) about yourself. I have an annual summer ‘second job’ trip to Alaska to commercially fish salmon (with nets) for sale to Trident Seafoods.

Describe your family (spouse, kids, grandkids, etc.) My wife, Cindy and I have been married since 1979. We have five children (all daughters!) Julie, Jennifer, Janelle, Jessica and Johanna. Two are married; grandchild #1 is expected in November 2011.

What are your Hobbies and Interests? As much golf as possible (summer); bowling (winter) and fishing

What other organizations do you belong to? Active member in Frederic Seventh-Day Adventist Church and church school operation and administration.

How many years have you been a Rotary member in Grantsburg? I have been a proud Grantsburg Rotarian since 2006

Why did you become a Rotary member? I was asked by my friend Paul Pederson and I strive to be active and serve in our community

What is your favorite thing about being a Rotarian? The fellowship and teamwork within our club. We have so many tenured Rotarians – too many to mention who give so much and never seek attention or credit. You don’t realize these things until you become a member. I’m proud to serve with these people and with the up and comers too.

What is one of your greatest achievements as a Rotarian? I would say being President. I have a very busy career and was worried about the time commitment that being President would entail. By taking the opportunity, I’ve learned that it all works out. We can always do more and be more than we think is possible. I’m looking forward to the honor of joining many successful past Presidents in the Grantsburg club that goes back a long, long time.

What is your classification (professional title)? Investments – Financial Advisor

Briefly describe your professional background. I’m celebrating my 10^th year in the Grantsburg Edward Jones office helping my clients reach their financial goals.

Tell us an interesting fact(s) about yourself. I spent 23 years in radio broadcasting including 8 years being in charge of radio programming for a six station radio group in Duluth, MN. My proudest achievement was consulting the first commercial radio station in Namibia, Africa and being asked to work on site with them in 2001.

Describe your family (spouse, kids, grandkids, etc.) Happily married for 31 years to my high school sweetheart Mary Lu, have (3) wonderful kids: John (27) a mechanical engineer and his wife Katie along with Jenny (19) a freshman in college and Jake (16) a sophomore at Grantsburg High. We also have a soon to be (4) year old granddaughter Hannah Grace. I’m very proud of my family.

What are your Hobbies and Interests? I’m a real home body. I love to read, watch my MN Vikings, currently studying internet marketing, movies, trying to stay fit and visiting family in the twin cities.

What other organizations do you belong to? Past Grantsburg Village Trustee (served 2 yr. term), past secretary/treasurer Grantsburg Chamber, longtime Big Gust Apple Race coordinator

How many years have you been a Rotary member in Grantsburg? I became a member in September of 1962.  This is my 49^th year in Rotary.

Why did you become a Rotary member? I was asked to become a member when I became the Sup’t of Schools.

What is your favorite thing about being a Rotarian? Meeting weekly over lunch with other business leaders of the community.  I find it to be the highlight of the week and a most valuable activity of well-being for me.

What is one of your greatest achievements as a Rotarian? Serving as Secretary of the Club for the past 38 years.

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