Profiles for 2015 Winners
Duane R. Lund Award for Lifetime Achievement
Mary Theurer
Mary Theurer attended the University of Minnesota for her AA degree, Northwestern Health Science University, Minneapolis, for her BS degree and Northwestern College of Chiropractic where she earned her Doctor of Chiropractic degree and was licensed by the state for 35 years. She married Jon Theurer on July 17, 1971, and moved to Staples where they started their chiropractic clinic. They have two children, Chad and Brenda Theurer and Amy and Andy Belshan; and four grandchildren: Annika, Drew, Nickolas and Ryan. Something you may not know, Mary had a twin brother, Milo.
In her early years, Mary was an active volunteer at Lincoln Model School as parent volunteer coordinator. She served on the school consolidation team and PER Committee.
She is an active member of Faith Lutheran Church in Staples where she serves as a Stephen’s Minister. She recently served seven years on the personnel committee, was financial secretary for 15 years, taught Sunday school and confirmation. She has served on several pastoral call committees, Columbarium committee and on church council as secretary.
In 2011 Mary was elected to the Staples City Council and is on the Staples Public Works Commission and Insurance Committee. She served on the selection committee to hire two police positions and most recently, the new Staples City Administrator. Mary has been the key connection between the City of Staples and the Area Learning Center (ALC). Most rewarding is her work networking with the Staples Police Department and the ALC. She serves on the executive board of Staples Motley Beyond Poverty and is on the subcommittee for the mentoring program. Mary completed the Blandin Community Leadership Program and Blandin’s Leadership Partnering to End Poverty training. She is a past chair of the fundraising committee for the Staples Motley Area Community Foundation.
In addition to her dedication to the City of Staples, Mary has shown great leadership on both the Lakewood Health System Board and the Lakewood Health District Board. She serves on the finance, audit and governance committees. Mary is a member of the System/Governing Board where she is secretary. She serves on the customer Experience Council, VOICE Committee, Patient and Family Advisory Committee (PFAC), Finance, Growth and Development Committee. Her dedication to Lakewood Health System earned Mary the Trustee of the Year Award for the entire State of Minnesota from the Minnesota Hospital Association.
Mary received the national Therese Laser Award from the American Cancer Association for her leadership and service to women dealing with breast cancer. A breast cancer survivor herself, she was a Reach to Recovery volunteer and statewide trainer of volunteers for 15 years. For three years Mary served on the American Cancer Association molecular genetics and oncogene subcommittee to make recommendations for the funding of million dollar Research Scholar Grants and one hundred thousand dollar Post-Doctoral Fellowship Grants.
She was nominated by Bob and Kay Mueller, Bill and Helen Mennis and Ted and Marge Lelwica.
Mary Theurer attended the University of Minnesota for her AA degree, Northwestern Health Science University, Minneapolis, for her BS degree and Northwestern College of Chiropractic where she earned her Doctor of Chiropractic degree and was licensed by the state for 35 years. She married Jon Theurer on July 17, 1971, and moved to Staples where they started their chiropractic clinic. They have two children, Chad and Brenda Theurer and Amy and Andy Belshan; and four grandchildren: Annika, Drew, Nickolas and Ryan. Something you may not know, Mary had a twin brother, Milo.
In her early years, Mary was an active volunteer at Lincoln Model School as parent volunteer coordinator. She served on the school consolidation team and PER Committee.
She is an active member of Faith Lutheran Church in Staples where she serves as a Stephen’s Minister. She recently served seven years on the personnel committee, was financial secretary for 15 years, taught Sunday school and confirmation. She has served on several pastoral call committees, Columbarium committee and on church council as secretary.
In 2011 Mary was elected to the Staples City Council and is on the Staples Public Works Commission and Insurance Committee. She served on the selection committee to hire two police positions and most recently, the new Staples City Administrator. Mary has been the key connection between the City of Staples and the Area Learning Center (ALC). Most rewarding is her work networking with the Staples Police Department and the ALC. She serves on the executive board of Staples Motley Beyond Poverty and is on the subcommittee for the mentoring program. Mary completed the Blandin Community Leadership Program and Blandin’s Leadership Partnering to End Poverty training. She is a past chair of the fundraising committee for the Staples Motley Area Community Foundation.
In addition to her dedication to the City of Staples, Mary has shown great leadership on both the Lakewood Health System Board and the Lakewood Health District Board. She serves on the finance, audit and governance committees. Mary is a member of the System/Governing Board where she is secretary. She serves on the customer Experience Council, VOICE Committee, Patient and Family Advisory Committee (PFAC), Finance, Growth and Development Committee. Her dedication to Lakewood Health System earned Mary the Trustee of the Year Award for the entire State of Minnesota from the Minnesota Hospital Association.
Mary received the national Therese Laser Award from the American Cancer Association for her leadership and service to women dealing with breast cancer. A breast cancer survivor herself, she was a Reach to Recovery volunteer and statewide trainer of volunteers for 15 years. For three years Mary served on the American Cancer Association molecular genetics and oncogene subcommittee to make recommendations for the funding of million dollar Research Scholar Grants and one hundred thousand dollar Post-Doctoral Fellowship Grants.
She was nominated by Bob and Kay Mueller, Bill and Helen Mennis and Ted and Marge Lelwica.
Citizen of the Year
Bob Hamann
Growing up on a farm between Staples and Motley, our 2015 Citizen of the Year, Bob Hamann, graduated from Motley High School in 1964. He earned a degree in accounting from Bemidji State College in 1968.
He was drafted into the U.S. Army in November of that year. His service took him to Fort Campbell, Ken., Fort Sill, Okla., overseas to Germany and, finally, to Vietnam, where he serve with the Third Battalion of the 82nd Airborne Division in computer and communications support of unit artillery from August 1970 to August 1971.
When he returned Bob took a position as assistant business manager in the Staples School District in January 1972. It was a position he held until 1994 when the business manager Bob Rego retired and Bob became the business manager.
Since his return to the area Bob has maintained a high level of civic activity. He was a member of the local Jaycees, as he puts it, “a hundred years ago.” He has been a member of the Staples Rotary Club since 2002, serving three terms as its president and a two-year stint as the Rotary District 5580 assistant governor. He is a member of the American Legion Post 70 and of the local Masonic Lodge since 1976, serving three terms as the lodge master.
As an avid cyclist, he is a member of the City of Staples Trails Committee and the Camp Ripley Veterans Park Trails Group. As a certified trainer of the League of American Cyclists, he has been heavily involved in bicycle safety classes and the annual Bike Rodeo in Staples.
He is active in the Faith Lutheran Church congregation, serving on its Trust Fund Committee, assisting with the annual lutefisk dinner and helping with other church activities as needed. He assists with the annual community Thanksgiving dinner and volunteers to take troubled youth from the Endeavor House swimming at the Community Center.
But perhaps Bob is most passionate about the founding and continued development of the Staples All Veterans and Community Park. Since the founding of the park in 2009, Bob has served as the chair of the eleven member park committee. His leadership has led to the continuing development of the park as a place to contemplate and honor as well as a highly visible asset to Staples.
Bob and his wife Joan have been married for 39 years.
Bob was nominated by Ken Klose
Growing up on a farm between Staples and Motley, our 2015 Citizen of the Year, Bob Hamann, graduated from Motley High School in 1964. He earned a degree in accounting from Bemidji State College in 1968.
He was drafted into the U.S. Army in November of that year. His service took him to Fort Campbell, Ken., Fort Sill, Okla., overseas to Germany and, finally, to Vietnam, where he serve with the Third Battalion of the 82nd Airborne Division in computer and communications support of unit artillery from August 1970 to August 1971.
When he returned Bob took a position as assistant business manager in the Staples School District in January 1972. It was a position he held until 1994 when the business manager Bob Rego retired and Bob became the business manager.
Since his return to the area Bob has maintained a high level of civic activity. He was a member of the local Jaycees, as he puts it, “a hundred years ago.” He has been a member of the Staples Rotary Club since 2002, serving three terms as its president and a two-year stint as the Rotary District 5580 assistant governor. He is a member of the American Legion Post 70 and of the local Masonic Lodge since 1976, serving three terms as the lodge master.
As an avid cyclist, he is a member of the City of Staples Trails Committee and the Camp Ripley Veterans Park Trails Group. As a certified trainer of the League of American Cyclists, he has been heavily involved in bicycle safety classes and the annual Bike Rodeo in Staples.
He is active in the Faith Lutheran Church congregation, serving on its Trust Fund Committee, assisting with the annual lutefisk dinner and helping with other church activities as needed. He assists with the annual community Thanksgiving dinner and volunteers to take troubled youth from the Endeavor House swimming at the Community Center.
But perhaps Bob is most passionate about the founding and continued development of the Staples All Veterans and Community Park. Since the founding of the park in 2009, Bob has served as the chair of the eleven member park committee. His leadership has led to the continuing development of the park as a place to contemplate and honor as well as a highly visible asset to Staples.
Bob and his wife Joan have been married for 39 years.
Bob was nominated by Ken Klose
Chairman's Award
Frank and Amy Leidenfrost
For a pair of retired teachers, a goal of staying active and being part of their community has led to a very busy retirement but also to an effort to make their community a better place.
Frank from Little Falls and Amy from Menahga met when both were young teachers at Waubun. They arrived in Staples in 1966, where Frank taught physical education and coached football. Amy taught business classes. Both retired in 1995.
“Staples has been good to us and I guess we just wanted a way to give back,” Amy Leidenfrost said. The two are key members of the Lions clubs, Frank as secretary of the Staples Host Lions and Amy as secretary of the Staples “93 Lions. Each has held most of the other offices in their local Lions club, and each has gone on to higher offices in the Lions. Both served a year as Lions zone chairs, then moved up to Lions District Governor. During their year as Lions District Governor, each was expected to travel to national and international Lions conventions in places like England and Australia. Within the Lions 5M-8 District, they had to visit all 75 Lions clubs in the district.
Amy and Frank are active Staples Area Food Shelf volunteers, helping to unload food shipments on a monthly basis, stocking shelves and any other work involved with the food shelf. For the past several months, they have been assisting Food Shelf Coordinator Fran Mertens.
Frank is a board member of the Staples Housing and Redevelopment Authority and its current chair. “There is always something interesting going on, the Hi Rise is no longer just seniors, it’s everybody.”
The two are members of Sacred Heart Church, the Retired Educators Association of Minnesota (REAM), the Staples Historical Society and Frank just finished a stint on the Minnesota State University Moorhead alumni board. Frank and Amy still, rain or shine, hot or 20 below, daily take at least a two-mile walk.
They didn’t bring it up, but over the years many high school seniors who otherwise could not afford Grad Blast were able to attend due to anonymous giving. “There were some awfully good kids over the years, and not all of them came from advantaged families,” Frank said.
Receiving this award, Frank said, “makes me feel humble and grateful. We appreciate the consideration.” “It means a lot,” Amy said. “It is not expected but very much appreciated.”
Frank and Amy were nominated by Bruce Hayenga, Tom Crawford and Brian Bates
For a pair of retired teachers, a goal of staying active and being part of their community has led to a very busy retirement but also to an effort to make their community a better place.
Frank from Little Falls and Amy from Menahga met when both were young teachers at Waubun. They arrived in Staples in 1966, where Frank taught physical education and coached football. Amy taught business classes. Both retired in 1995.
“Staples has been good to us and I guess we just wanted a way to give back,” Amy Leidenfrost said. The two are key members of the Lions clubs, Frank as secretary of the Staples Host Lions and Amy as secretary of the Staples “93 Lions. Each has held most of the other offices in their local Lions club, and each has gone on to higher offices in the Lions. Both served a year as Lions zone chairs, then moved up to Lions District Governor. During their year as Lions District Governor, each was expected to travel to national and international Lions conventions in places like England and Australia. Within the Lions 5M-8 District, they had to visit all 75 Lions clubs in the district.
Amy and Frank are active Staples Area Food Shelf volunteers, helping to unload food shipments on a monthly basis, stocking shelves and any other work involved with the food shelf. For the past several months, they have been assisting Food Shelf Coordinator Fran Mertens.
Frank is a board member of the Staples Housing and Redevelopment Authority and its current chair. “There is always something interesting going on, the Hi Rise is no longer just seniors, it’s everybody.”
The two are members of Sacred Heart Church, the Retired Educators Association of Minnesota (REAM), the Staples Historical Society and Frank just finished a stint on the Minnesota State University Moorhead alumni board. Frank and Amy still, rain or shine, hot or 20 below, daily take at least a two-mile walk.
They didn’t bring it up, but over the years many high school seniors who otherwise could not afford Grad Blast were able to attend due to anonymous giving. “There were some awfully good kids over the years, and not all of them came from advantaged families,” Frank said.
Receiving this award, Frank said, “makes me feel humble and grateful. We appreciate the consideration.” “It means a lot,” Amy said. “It is not expected but very much appreciated.”
Frank and Amy were nominated by Bruce Hayenga, Tom Crawford and Brian Bates
Youth of the Year
Sarah Koopmann
How many times have you heard or even used the expression, “If I could only be a kid again”? If it were possible, I am not sure that many of us could keep up with the schedule of our 2015 Youth of the Year, Sarah Koopmann.
“When the award letter came in the mail, I had to read it two or three times before it sunk in,” Sarah said. She added, “a lot of my community involvement comes from my musical activities.” You could say that music and community involvement are in Sarah’s blood. The oldest daughter of John and Cindy Koopmann, Sarah and her family moved to the Staples Motley area during her second grade year.
Some of Sarah’s music activities include high school choir, bell choir, jazz band, polka band, percussion ensemble, chamber choir, madrigal brass, Heartland Orchestra, high school orchestra where she played the violin, and band where she played the trumpet.
Sarah shares her passion for music as she offers private violin lessons, plays the organ for church services and plays music during visits with her grandfather to the care center.
Sarah was awarded the Fiddler of the Year during this spring’s annual contest in Pillager.
As a well-rounded teen, music is not Sarah’s only passion. Sports caught her eye early on and she has lettered in girls basketball, girls tennis and track.
In addition Sarah has been an active member in 4-H, student council, national honor society and FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). Sarah has also volunteered her time at this summer’s tennis camp.
She will be attending the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul this fall studying Exercise Science (pre-med).
Sarah was nominated by Ken Klose
How many times have you heard or even used the expression, “If I could only be a kid again”? If it were possible, I am not sure that many of us could keep up with the schedule of our 2015 Youth of the Year, Sarah Koopmann.
“When the award letter came in the mail, I had to read it two or three times before it sunk in,” Sarah said. She added, “a lot of my community involvement comes from my musical activities.” You could say that music and community involvement are in Sarah’s blood. The oldest daughter of John and Cindy Koopmann, Sarah and her family moved to the Staples Motley area during her second grade year.
Some of Sarah’s music activities include high school choir, bell choir, jazz band, polka band, percussion ensemble, chamber choir, madrigal brass, Heartland Orchestra, high school orchestra where she played the violin, and band where she played the trumpet.
Sarah shares her passion for music as she offers private violin lessons, plays the organ for church services and plays music during visits with her grandfather to the care center.
Sarah was awarded the Fiddler of the Year during this spring’s annual contest in Pillager.
As a well-rounded teen, music is not Sarah’s only passion. Sports caught her eye early on and she has lettered in girls basketball, girls tennis and track.
In addition Sarah has been an active member in 4-H, student council, national honor society and FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). Sarah has also volunteered her time at this summer’s tennis camp.
She will be attending the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul this fall studying Exercise Science (pre-med).
Sarah was nominated by Ken Klose
Organization of the Year
Friends of the Staples Public Library
Members of the Friends of the Staples Public Library board are, front row, from left: Jane Vogt, Mike Palmer, Gloria Palmer and Laurie Paskewitz. In the back row, from left, are Tom Kajer, Brenda Halvorson, John Gorton and Renae Schmitz. Not pictured are Ron Murray, city liaison; Judy Wolak, historian; and Cathy Perish, library manager.
The Friends of the Staples Public Library evolved from a Blandin Community Leadership Program in 2007 and several of those individuals still service on the executive board. The group decided that they would like to get the library out of the old city morgue and into a more welcoming environment. The mission of the organization is to support and enhance the Staples Public Library programs and services.
The board helped write the grant to get funding to build the new Staples Public Library in collaboration with the Staples Government Center. Board members spent hundreds of hours traveling around the state visiting libraries to research and collect the best ideas to recommend to the architect. Many of the wonderful features included in the library are a result of those library visits.
A fundraising campaign raised $30,000 to support the library. Each month the board meets to discuss library concerns, necessities and requests of the librarian. The group has purchased equipment, furniture, and essential items to make the library more efficient and user friendly. They also purchased the Christmas tree and decorations and a bench for the atrium, signs and a bike rack for outside the building, and even the granite train logo found in the atrium.
The Friends applied for and received two 3M grants to help fund several science lyceums in the schools and also summer science public library programs, including books and prizes. In 2010, at their state convention, the Minnesota Association of Library Friends recognized the Staples organization for outstanding contributions to public libraries. The Staples Friends presented their history and experiences at that state convention.
Their primary funding comes from an annual membership campaign seeking donations from area residents. Other fund raisers include selling root beer floats during Railroad Days and a used book sale. Overall, 72 Friends of the Staples Public Library have made financial contributions.
The current executive board is Gloria Palmer, chair; John Gorton, vice chair; Renae Schmitz, secretary; Mike Palmer, treasurer; and directors Laurie Paskewitz, Tom Kajer, Jane Vogt, Brenda Halvorson, city council representative Ron Murray, library manager Cathy Perish and historian Judy Wolak.
“We are honored to receive this esteemed award for the work that we love doing on behalf of the library and its patrons,” said Gloria Palmer. “We have a passionate, hard-working, and dedicated group of individuals who value the library and its role in our area. We will continue to be deeply committed to supporting the library, its services and programs for the benefit of our community.”
Mary Noska and Lisa Kajer nominated the Friends of the Staples Public Library
Members of the Friends of the Staples Public Library board are, front row, from left: Jane Vogt, Mike Palmer, Gloria Palmer and Laurie Paskewitz. In the back row, from left, are Tom Kajer, Brenda Halvorson, John Gorton and Renae Schmitz. Not pictured are Ron Murray, city liaison; Judy Wolak, historian; and Cathy Perish, library manager.
The Friends of the Staples Public Library evolved from a Blandin Community Leadership Program in 2007 and several of those individuals still service on the executive board. The group decided that they would like to get the library out of the old city morgue and into a more welcoming environment. The mission of the organization is to support and enhance the Staples Public Library programs and services.
The board helped write the grant to get funding to build the new Staples Public Library in collaboration with the Staples Government Center. Board members spent hundreds of hours traveling around the state visiting libraries to research and collect the best ideas to recommend to the architect. Many of the wonderful features included in the library are a result of those library visits.
A fundraising campaign raised $30,000 to support the library. Each month the board meets to discuss library concerns, necessities and requests of the librarian. The group has purchased equipment, furniture, and essential items to make the library more efficient and user friendly. They also purchased the Christmas tree and decorations and a bench for the atrium, signs and a bike rack for outside the building, and even the granite train logo found in the atrium.
The Friends applied for and received two 3M grants to help fund several science lyceums in the schools and also summer science public library programs, including books and prizes. In 2010, at their state convention, the Minnesota Association of Library Friends recognized the Staples organization for outstanding contributions to public libraries. The Staples Friends presented their history and experiences at that state convention.
Their primary funding comes from an annual membership campaign seeking donations from area residents. Other fund raisers include selling root beer floats during Railroad Days and a used book sale. Overall, 72 Friends of the Staples Public Library have made financial contributions.
The current executive board is Gloria Palmer, chair; John Gorton, vice chair; Renae Schmitz, secretary; Mike Palmer, treasurer; and directors Laurie Paskewitz, Tom Kajer, Jane Vogt, Brenda Halvorson, city council representative Ron Murray, library manager Cathy Perish and historian Judy Wolak.
“We are honored to receive this esteemed award for the work that we love doing on behalf of the library and its patrons,” said Gloria Palmer. “We have a passionate, hard-working, and dedicated group of individuals who value the library and its role in our area. We will continue to be deeply committed to supporting the library, its services and programs for the benefit of our community.”
Mary Noska and Lisa Kajer nominated the Friends of the Staples Public Library
Business of the Year
Staples Precision Metalcraft, Inc.
The staff at Staples Precision Metalcraft, Inc. include, from left, Jay Vetsch, Wade Bendson, Joan Bendson, Alan Bendson and Matt Michels.
In 1986, Al and Joan Bendson opened Staples Precision Metalcraft, Inc., together with Al’s cousin Lonnie Johnson and wife Judy.
Al learned the trade, starting at age 18, by working in many sheet metal shops in the Metro Area. He gained trade knowledge by talking to experienced workers in each shop and writing down their expert techniques in a small “black book” that he still has and uses to this day.
They bought out the Johnson’s in 1991 and their son Wade Bendson became part owner in 2006.
Over the years they have helped students learn about their trade. Al said, “It’s good for students to get exposed to a business.”
Wade gets motivated when students come in with an idea. “We could easily do it for them, but it is more fun to help them learn the process and then they can do it themselves,” he said.
For years they have helped robotics teams from Central Lakes College and Staples Motley High School (SMHS), and provided assistance with the high mileage cars for both the Freshwater Area Learning Center and SMHS. They also helped the Connections High School students build their school workstations. For over 25 years they have supplied welding materials to SMHS for student practice.
In the community, they have been a huge supporter to the fire department by making items like the brackets to hold the “Jaws of Life” and helping to design and make the one-of-a-kind “gear dryer” that dries the gear that is worn by the fire fighters.
Wade and Al both said they love challenges. They have a “Can Do” attitude and if they can’t figure out a project, they find someone who can help them get it done.
Faith Lutheran Church, and other area churches, have also benefited from their generosity. The cross at the southwest corner of Faith is just one of many gifts to the church. They have also fixed parts on the ambulances and made items for the Staples All Veterans and Community Park.
“None of this could have happened if it wasn’t for our employees,” Joan said. “Jay Vetsch has been here since 1988 and Matt Michels since 1997.”
“We are like family,” Wade added. No one punches a clock; they just get the jobs done.
Al enjoys owning a small business because he can help people.
“If all of society helped people out, it would be a better society,” he said.
Staples Precision Metalcraft, Inc., was nominated by Kerry Lindgren, Lisa Kajer and Lee Jenkins.
The staff at Staples Precision Metalcraft, Inc. include, from left, Jay Vetsch, Wade Bendson, Joan Bendson, Alan Bendson and Matt Michels.
In 1986, Al and Joan Bendson opened Staples Precision Metalcraft, Inc., together with Al’s cousin Lonnie Johnson and wife Judy.
Al learned the trade, starting at age 18, by working in many sheet metal shops in the Metro Area. He gained trade knowledge by talking to experienced workers in each shop and writing down their expert techniques in a small “black book” that he still has and uses to this day.
They bought out the Johnson’s in 1991 and their son Wade Bendson became part owner in 2006.
Over the years they have helped students learn about their trade. Al said, “It’s good for students to get exposed to a business.”
Wade gets motivated when students come in with an idea. “We could easily do it for them, but it is more fun to help them learn the process and then they can do it themselves,” he said.
For years they have helped robotics teams from Central Lakes College and Staples Motley High School (SMHS), and provided assistance with the high mileage cars for both the Freshwater Area Learning Center and SMHS. They also helped the Connections High School students build their school workstations. For over 25 years they have supplied welding materials to SMHS for student practice.
In the community, they have been a huge supporter to the fire department by making items like the brackets to hold the “Jaws of Life” and helping to design and make the one-of-a-kind “gear dryer” that dries the gear that is worn by the fire fighters.
Wade and Al both said they love challenges. They have a “Can Do” attitude and if they can’t figure out a project, they find someone who can help them get it done.
Faith Lutheran Church, and other area churches, have also benefited from their generosity. The cross at the southwest corner of Faith is just one of many gifts to the church. They have also fixed parts on the ambulances and made items for the Staples All Veterans and Community Park.
“None of this could have happened if it wasn’t for our employees,” Joan said. “Jay Vetsch has been here since 1988 and Matt Michels since 1997.”
“We are like family,” Wade added. No one punches a clock; they just get the jobs done.
Al enjoys owning a small business because he can help people.
“If all of society helped people out, it would be a better society,” he said.
Staples Precision Metalcraft, Inc., was nominated by Kerry Lindgren, Lisa Kajer and Lee Jenkins.