Profiles for 2018 Winners
Duane R. Lund Award for Lifetime Achievement
Tim Rice
Since 1980 Tim Rice has been a leader for the Lakewood Health System and the entire greater Staples Motley Area. Staples Mayor Chris Etzler stated that “Tim brought a vision to this community 38 years ago that has created not only one of the top health systems in the state, but in the whole country. The same vision can be seen through the success of many community groups and organizations he has been involved in. Tim’s contribution to the well-being of the Staples Motley communities goes much further than Lakewood.”
Tim was born and raised on a farm in Milaca. When asked why he did not stay on the farm, he said his dad valued education very highly. They did not even do chores before school because dad wanted them to be well rested and prepared to do their best at school. No son was going to take over the farm until they received a college education.
Tim graduated from the Minneapolis Business College in 1974 and also has received his Bachelor of Arts degree and Masters in management degree from St. Scholastica. His first job after college was chief financial officer at Renville County Hospital in Olivia. He became chief executive officer in 1977. His parents moved to Nisswa after retiring and an opportunity came open in Staples in 1980 that would bring him closer to them. He has been here ever since. Tim and Lynn have five children and seven grandchildren.
Lakewood Health System (LHS) has grown significantly since he came. In 1980 there were just four doctors and today there are over 50 providers. In 1980 Lakewood consisted of the Hospital, Care Center and management of the Mary Rondorf Home. Since his arrival, the additions to LHS include: Home Care/Hospice Agency in 1983, acquired Browerville Clinic in 1985, acquired Eagle Bend clinic in 1987, constructed an attached clinic in 1992, merged with Lakewood Clinic PA to form a private not-for-profit Lakewood Health System, opened the Motley Clinic in 1998, acquired Lakewood Pines in 2000, opened Pillager Clinic in 2003, acquired ownership of the Mary Rondorf Home and renamed Lakewood Manor in 2004, constructed new hospital and clinic in Staples in 2006, expanded the Pillager Clinic in 2009, established the Dermatology Clinic in Sartell in 2010 and purchased a permanent building in 2018. In 2018 the Pillager and Staples Clinic expansions were completed. The Lakewood Health System now has more than 850 employees.
The Duane R. Lund Award is more than about work related achievements. Tim’s involvement and leadership are literally too numerous to list for the limitations of this article. Some of them are: treasurer, Faith Lutheran Church; Staples Lions member 29 years; Chamber of Commerce past president three times; Staples Area Men’s Chorus 38 years; Staples Youth Basketball Program Director; Chair of LEAP (Leadership, Engagement, Advocacy, Positiveness) since inception; and member of the Staples Economic Development Authority.
When asked why he gets so involved he said, “Staples is my home and we all have an obligation to get involved and focus on our strengths to make our community better. Every day at work I think about the thousands of patients and residents who are coming through the doors and all of the providers and employees and their families and I realize they are depending on me to do the best job I can and I do not want to let them down. To me this award is not my life achievement but what all of us at LHS have accomplished together.”
Since 1980 Tim Rice has been a leader for the Lakewood Health System and the entire greater Staples Motley Area. Staples Mayor Chris Etzler stated that “Tim brought a vision to this community 38 years ago that has created not only one of the top health systems in the state, but in the whole country. The same vision can be seen through the success of many community groups and organizations he has been involved in. Tim’s contribution to the well-being of the Staples Motley communities goes much further than Lakewood.”
Tim was born and raised on a farm in Milaca. When asked why he did not stay on the farm, he said his dad valued education very highly. They did not even do chores before school because dad wanted them to be well rested and prepared to do their best at school. No son was going to take over the farm until they received a college education.
Tim graduated from the Minneapolis Business College in 1974 and also has received his Bachelor of Arts degree and Masters in management degree from St. Scholastica. His first job after college was chief financial officer at Renville County Hospital in Olivia. He became chief executive officer in 1977. His parents moved to Nisswa after retiring and an opportunity came open in Staples in 1980 that would bring him closer to them. He has been here ever since. Tim and Lynn have five children and seven grandchildren.
Lakewood Health System (LHS) has grown significantly since he came. In 1980 there were just four doctors and today there are over 50 providers. In 1980 Lakewood consisted of the Hospital, Care Center and management of the Mary Rondorf Home. Since his arrival, the additions to LHS include: Home Care/Hospice Agency in 1983, acquired Browerville Clinic in 1985, acquired Eagle Bend clinic in 1987, constructed an attached clinic in 1992, merged with Lakewood Clinic PA to form a private not-for-profit Lakewood Health System, opened the Motley Clinic in 1998, acquired Lakewood Pines in 2000, opened Pillager Clinic in 2003, acquired ownership of the Mary Rondorf Home and renamed Lakewood Manor in 2004, constructed new hospital and clinic in Staples in 2006, expanded the Pillager Clinic in 2009, established the Dermatology Clinic in Sartell in 2010 and purchased a permanent building in 2018. In 2018 the Pillager and Staples Clinic expansions were completed. The Lakewood Health System now has more than 850 employees.
The Duane R. Lund Award is more than about work related achievements. Tim’s involvement and leadership are literally too numerous to list for the limitations of this article. Some of them are: treasurer, Faith Lutheran Church; Staples Lions member 29 years; Chamber of Commerce past president three times; Staples Area Men’s Chorus 38 years; Staples Youth Basketball Program Director; Chair of LEAP (Leadership, Engagement, Advocacy, Positiveness) since inception; and member of the Staples Economic Development Authority.
When asked why he gets so involved he said, “Staples is my home and we all have an obligation to get involved and focus on our strengths to make our community better. Every day at work I think about the thousands of patients and residents who are coming through the doors and all of the providers and employees and their families and I realize they are depending on me to do the best job I can and I do not want to let them down. To me this award is not my life achievement but what all of us at LHS have accomplished together.”
Outstanding Citizen
Steve Benson
Lee and Judy Jenkins nominated Steve for the Outstanding Citizen Award saying he is a “real asset” to the community. Among other things, he has been faithful in helping Sacred Heart Area School with technology and he volunteers time to work with young people.
Steve and his wife Julie moved to Staples from St. Paul in 1997. Before that time he was an engineer for Northwest Airlines. When their daughter Katie started kindergarten at Sacred Heart, he began helping with the school’s computers and he has continued as volunteer technology coordinator ever since - even though his children have long since graduated. Since they have a good connection with Lakewood Health System (where his wife is a physician), he is able to upgrade the school’s technology and repurpose Lakewood’s computers every few years. Steve reports that the school has also benefited from Central Lakes College’s computer hardware, too.
Other individuals and organizations have benefitted from Steve’s willingness to share his technology expertise. For example, he helped set up the Staples Motley Area Community Foundation’s original web site.
When his children, Katie and Jack, became active in the 4-H shooting sports program, Steve became an adult volunteer coaching rifle, pistol and shotgun shooting. He also petitioned the school to join the Minnesota High School Clay Target League in 2012. Together with Bob Koenig, he voluntarily coaches the Staples-Motley High School Trap and Skeet teams.
Steve is also a member of the Staples Sportsman’s Club, which donates the clay targets and range time for the local high school trap teams. He was also instrumental in fundraising to modernize the trap range. Students who are receiving their firearms safety training will see him at the range during their training there.
Community members who aren’t around youth programs will still likely see how Steve makes the area a better place to live. For example, he is a member of the Staples Host Lions Club, Sacred Heart Church and School volunteer and on the board for the Vintage Golf Course.
Lee and Judy Jenkins nominated Steve for the Outstanding Citizen Award saying he is a “real asset” to the community. Among other things, he has been faithful in helping Sacred Heart Area School with technology and he volunteers time to work with young people.
Steve and his wife Julie moved to Staples from St. Paul in 1997. Before that time he was an engineer for Northwest Airlines. When their daughter Katie started kindergarten at Sacred Heart, he began helping with the school’s computers and he has continued as volunteer technology coordinator ever since - even though his children have long since graduated. Since they have a good connection with Lakewood Health System (where his wife is a physician), he is able to upgrade the school’s technology and repurpose Lakewood’s computers every few years. Steve reports that the school has also benefited from Central Lakes College’s computer hardware, too.
Other individuals and organizations have benefitted from Steve’s willingness to share his technology expertise. For example, he helped set up the Staples Motley Area Community Foundation’s original web site.
When his children, Katie and Jack, became active in the 4-H shooting sports program, Steve became an adult volunteer coaching rifle, pistol and shotgun shooting. He also petitioned the school to join the Minnesota High School Clay Target League in 2012. Together with Bob Koenig, he voluntarily coaches the Staples-Motley High School Trap and Skeet teams.
Steve is also a member of the Staples Sportsman’s Club, which donates the clay targets and range time for the local high school trap teams. He was also instrumental in fundraising to modernize the trap range. Students who are receiving their firearms safety training will see him at the range during their training there.
Community members who aren’t around youth programs will still likely see how Steve makes the area a better place to live. For example, he is a member of the Staples Host Lions Club, Sacred Heart Church and School volunteer and on the board for the Vintage Golf Course.
Chairman's Award
LaVonne Selleck
Our group found it was easy to pick a volunteer after working with LaVonne Selleck on many different projects.
She is quiet in her work and her weeding often is done during her daily walks through the downtown area. She volunteers at Living Legacy Gardens where she does two hours of weeding on Tuesday mornings from May to October.
On Tuesday afternoon she can be found volunteering at the public library. Wednesday she may be found at her church joining the quilting group. If there is a church dinner she often is at the beverage station making sure there is coffee or lemonade ready for the diners. If there is a program at Centennial Auditorium, LaVonne is the one responsible for ticket takers and ushers. She helps set up treats for intermissions. She puts in time at the Food Shelf. LaVonne is also available to go and sit with someone who needs to be at a clinic appointment.
LaVonne is one of those people who just can’t sit still. Things to do and learn. She is an adoptive parent and lifelong teacher to those she is around. LaVonne provides endless care for our community’s public spaces. Look out, weeds of the week!
She is a farm girl applying practical uses and ways of doing things every day. She is grateful for the days provided so she can share her abilities. LaVonne treasures her family and her heritage just as we treasure the gifts she shares with us.
LaVonne was nominated by Living Legacy Garden volunteers and Staples Public Library staff.
Outstanding Youth
- Sara Oberlander
From a young age, Sara has been active in several activities. Some of these include Girl Scouts, dance and drama. As Sara got into middle school, she became the president of student council and the MVP and president of choir. She established herself as a leader and someone who is always willing to give a helping hand.
As she entered high school, Sara had many achievements, acting as both vice president and president of the Student Council, being inducted into National Honor Society and being active in drama.
She participated in Prairie Fire Children’s Theater, Mad Hatters Community Theatre and Lamp Camp. She volunteered to help with Special Olympics and as a youth service leader and Vacation Bible school leader at Faith Lutheran Church.
She participated in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards program, as well as representing Staples-Motley High School (SMHS) as one of four SMHS students selected to take part in Academic World Quest in St. Paul. She was also active in knowledge bowl and Spanish Class, taking a trip with the club to Costa Rica. In 2018 she went to Iceland with the Science classes at SMHS.
All of these things are very impressive and outstanding, but they are not the things that make Sara stand out from other people. When asked what her life goal is, she stated “My whole life, I have wanted to be a nice, kind person.” Sara has done this by her treatment of people and what she has done to help others.
One of the outstanding things she started in high school is called the “Random Acts of Kindness Committee.” Sara stated that the goal of this committee is to help those who are left out, bullied or are feeling alone. The committee would make baskets and give them to people who needed a friend. She called some of these “sunshine baskets” and would fill them with yellow candy, a happy color, and randomly give them to others. For some students, this may have been the only positive experience they had all day with another student. Sara genuinely cares about people and wants no one to be left out.
Sara is a 2018 graduate of SMHS and is the daughter of Richard and Wanda Oberlander of Staples. She will be attending the Minnesota State University in Moorhead this fall, majoring in political science with a minor in pre-law. Sara aspires to one day be a human rights lawyer. She is definitely a champion for people.
Outstanding Organization
Staples Area Women's Chorus
Accompanist Kim Berggren is at the piano. Standing by the piano is Joan Batcher-Rhymers, director, Front row, from left, are Diane Stotereau, Judy Young, Vicki Perish, Kate Skogstad, Jeanne Rohr, Diane Hinkle, Leanna Jensen, Judy Wolak and Judy Jenkins. Middle row, from left, are Barba Best, Marcia Marsh, Cindy Gold, April Sandhoff, Jeanette Evans, Jody Lunemann, Sharon Freelove, Wendy Hanson, RoAnn Trout, Joyce Anderson, Stephanie Wiegand and Barb Cline. Back row, from left, are Gretta Norton, Megan Lindgren, Anne Freelove, Eva Lund, Barb Markus, Christie Berg, Amanda Mithun, Janet Anderson, Mary Beth Berockpahler and Beth Fabian.
The Staples Area Women’s Chorus was organized in 1977 by Linda Thompson. Directors over the years include Thompson, Ruth Blum, Dale Knudson, Charlene McKinnis, Mike Blessing, Steve Hoemberg, Rob Freelove and Joan Batcher Rhymers, the current director.
Accompanists include Virginia Hegre, Jerdis Cerney, Donna Miller, Sandy Paskewitz, Andrew Stoneking, Becky Nelson and Kim Berggren, the current accompanist.
Each director has brought new challenges and skills to the organization. Under Mike Blessing, our longest term director of over 23 years, the women performed a variety show each year with the Staples Area Men’s Chorus (SAMC).
In 2011, in order to be able to apply for grants, the group became a 501c3 non-profit. That opened the door for bigger and more expensive concerts.
Their mission statement is “The Staples Area Women’s Chorus is dedicated to the study and performance of music, the attainment of excellence in the art of women’s choral music, the promotion of sociability and good fellowship among its members, cooperation with other music organizations, public appearances, providing music to the community as well as entertainment and education through music.”
Some accomplishments include:
o Toured in England with the SAMC and the Staples-Motley High School (SMHS) band, choir and orchestra. They sang in some wonderful cathedrals, one in York.
o Collaborate with SAMC and the SMHS to do a major work every other year.
o Perform a concert with the Colle Voca girls choir each year.
o Participate in Festival of Lights for the hospice program through Lakewood Health System.
o Sung in local care centers.
o Present a concert to benefit the Food Shelf each year.
For several years the organization was asked by area high school directors to develop a festival for their young women, similar to the “Real Men Sing” festival held by the SAMC. The late Barb Cline had a passion for sharing her love of song with young women and developed a plan for the festival.
Director Rob Freelove caught her vision and in January 2014 the first “Her Voice Her Song” was launched. This festival allows student musicians to experience a large group concert. Up to 15 area high schools have participated as well college choirs.
The festival has expanded each year. In March of 2018 the mass choir was over 500 voices, so large that the choir was in the stadium seating with the audience seated on the main floor.
Last year, the men’s chorus of Grand Rapids invited SAWC to be their guests for a Spring Festival.
As part of their mission, SAWC donates music to the local high school music library, sings in area churches and, sadly, sings at member’s funerals.
Accompanist Kim Berggren is at the piano. Standing by the piano is Joan Batcher-Rhymers, director, Front row, from left, are Diane Stotereau, Judy Young, Vicki Perish, Kate Skogstad, Jeanne Rohr, Diane Hinkle, Leanna Jensen, Judy Wolak and Judy Jenkins. Middle row, from left, are Barba Best, Marcia Marsh, Cindy Gold, April Sandhoff, Jeanette Evans, Jody Lunemann, Sharon Freelove, Wendy Hanson, RoAnn Trout, Joyce Anderson, Stephanie Wiegand and Barb Cline. Back row, from left, are Gretta Norton, Megan Lindgren, Anne Freelove, Eva Lund, Barb Markus, Christie Berg, Amanda Mithun, Janet Anderson, Mary Beth Berockpahler and Beth Fabian.
The Staples Area Women’s Chorus was organized in 1977 by Linda Thompson. Directors over the years include Thompson, Ruth Blum, Dale Knudson, Charlene McKinnis, Mike Blessing, Steve Hoemberg, Rob Freelove and Joan Batcher Rhymers, the current director.
Accompanists include Virginia Hegre, Jerdis Cerney, Donna Miller, Sandy Paskewitz, Andrew Stoneking, Becky Nelson and Kim Berggren, the current accompanist.
Each director has brought new challenges and skills to the organization. Under Mike Blessing, our longest term director of over 23 years, the women performed a variety show each year with the Staples Area Men’s Chorus (SAMC).
In 2011, in order to be able to apply for grants, the group became a 501c3 non-profit. That opened the door for bigger and more expensive concerts.
Their mission statement is “The Staples Area Women’s Chorus is dedicated to the study and performance of music, the attainment of excellence in the art of women’s choral music, the promotion of sociability and good fellowship among its members, cooperation with other music organizations, public appearances, providing music to the community as well as entertainment and education through music.”
Some accomplishments include:
o Toured in England with the SAMC and the Staples-Motley High School (SMHS) band, choir and orchestra. They sang in some wonderful cathedrals, one in York.
o Collaborate with SAMC and the SMHS to do a major work every other year.
o Perform a concert with the Colle Voca girls choir each year.
o Participate in Festival of Lights for the hospice program through Lakewood Health System.
o Sung in local care centers.
o Present a concert to benefit the Food Shelf each year.
For several years the organization was asked by area high school directors to develop a festival for their young women, similar to the “Real Men Sing” festival held by the SAMC. The late Barb Cline had a passion for sharing her love of song with young women and developed a plan for the festival.
Director Rob Freelove caught her vision and in January 2014 the first “Her Voice Her Song” was launched. This festival allows student musicians to experience a large group concert. Up to 15 area high schools have participated as well college choirs.
The festival has expanded each year. In March of 2018 the mass choir was over 500 voices, so large that the choir was in the stadium seating with the audience seated on the main floor.
Last year, the men’s chorus of Grand Rapids invited SAWC to be their guests for a Spring Festival.
As part of their mission, SAWC donates music to the local high school music library, sings in area churches and, sadly, sings at member’s funerals.
Outstanding Business
Staples Ace Hardware
Hal Swanson and Mike Wiebolt bought a local Staples hardware store from Dave and Caroline Lester in February 2013. The store that sits along Highway 10 now bears the name “Staples Ace Hardware.” Hal is on-site every day, while Mike travels from store to store always keeping his eyes open for new opportunities.
Prior to the hardware store business, Hal worked for 25 years in the beer distributing industry. He started as a truck driver and eventually was running the company.
Hal credits some of his best lessons learned from his boss there, Charlie Sheets. Charlie was an early riser and worked hard. It was there where he witnessed the wisdom in never asking your employees to do something you wouldn’t do yourself.
Hal also learned about working hard from his father, who is a farmer. Of course, Hal says working with Mike is the same - Mike never stops working on new projects and has a lot of energy.
Hal is quick to mention that it is the whole team at Ace Hardware that makes it special, everyone works together to make it all happen. Hal has noticed while he is at meetings with other store owners that he never has to be on the phone settling problems like they do. He loves that he has such a great crew he can leave in charge without worries.
Depending on the season, the store has between 10-12 employees. No matter who he hires, full-time or part-time, Hal tells the new employee that they are going to learn everything - no matter how long they’ll be there. Skills you learn in running a hardware store are great skills to take anywhere else.
Over the years, the store has tried dabbling in the rental business, appliances and other areas, but the main attraction is a great selection of hardware and great service. Anyone who enters the store doesn’t have to look for long because an employee will be there almost before you take ten steps into the store, ready to help you find just what you need. If they don’t have it, they can order it for you. Hal says the Ace motto is “It takes two to say ‘No’.”
Staples Ace Hardware is always ready and willing to help out in the community. For several years the store has hosted the children’s tractor pull during Railroad Days. Their parking lot has also been the destination for fundraiser car washes. Hal has plans to roll-out another community program this fall, so stay tuned.
Seated are Deb Kaiser, left, and Gene Kucera. Standing from left are Kendrick Schultz, Jonathan Kubichek, Jason Poynter, Rich Britton, Maddie Noles (in front), Mike Isenberg, Kenny Salber, Clint Bailey, Hal Swanson and Greg Osmonson.
Hal Swanson and Mike Wiebolt bought a local Staples hardware store from Dave and Caroline Lester in February 2013. The store that sits along Highway 10 now bears the name “Staples Ace Hardware.” Hal is on-site every day, while Mike travels from store to store always keeping his eyes open for new opportunities.
Prior to the hardware store business, Hal worked for 25 years in the beer distributing industry. He started as a truck driver and eventually was running the company.
Hal credits some of his best lessons learned from his boss there, Charlie Sheets. Charlie was an early riser and worked hard. It was there where he witnessed the wisdom in never asking your employees to do something you wouldn’t do yourself.
Hal also learned about working hard from his father, who is a farmer. Of course, Hal says working with Mike is the same - Mike never stops working on new projects and has a lot of energy.
Hal is quick to mention that it is the whole team at Ace Hardware that makes it special, everyone works together to make it all happen. Hal has noticed while he is at meetings with other store owners that he never has to be on the phone settling problems like they do. He loves that he has such a great crew he can leave in charge without worries.
Depending on the season, the store has between 10-12 employees. No matter who he hires, full-time or part-time, Hal tells the new employee that they are going to learn everything - no matter how long they’ll be there. Skills you learn in running a hardware store are great skills to take anywhere else.
Over the years, the store has tried dabbling in the rental business, appliances and other areas, but the main attraction is a great selection of hardware and great service. Anyone who enters the store doesn’t have to look for long because an employee will be there almost before you take ten steps into the store, ready to help you find just what you need. If they don’t have it, they can order it for you. Hal says the Ace motto is “It takes two to say ‘No’.”
Staples Ace Hardware is always ready and willing to help out in the community. For several years the store has hosted the children’s tractor pull during Railroad Days. Their parking lot has also been the destination for fundraiser car washes. Hal has plans to roll-out another community program this fall, so stay tuned.
Seated are Deb Kaiser, left, and Gene Kucera. Standing from left are Kendrick Schultz, Jonathan Kubichek, Jason Poynter, Rich Britton, Maddie Noles (in front), Mike Isenberg, Kenny Salber, Clint Bailey, Hal Swanson and Greg Osmonson.