Scott Hermanson

My family has lived in the Norseland-New Sweden area for generations. I just recently retired as the Vocal Music Director at St. Peter High School. I previously served on the NCHS board and serve on the board of the Friends of District 6, an organization dedicated to the preservation of

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James Ihrke

I grew up on the shores of Madison Lake, where fishing, biking, baseball, and 4-H were my primary interests. My passion for history can be traced back to amazing teachers at Mankato Loyola, graduating as a National Honor Society member in 2000. I continued on to Gustavus Adolphus College, earning

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Jon Smithers

Jon grew up in Flint, Michigan (GM town) & Varna, Illinois (population 350) as a contrast. In 1973 Jon enlisted in the Air Force & was stationed in Minot, ND. Jon moved to St. Peter, MN in 1978. In 1979 Jon married Karen Windhorn. They opened St. Peter’s first computer

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Denny Schmidt

Denny and his wife JoAnn live on his home farm in New Sweden Township. They have made this home for the past 13 years, after living in New Ulm for many years. They have three children who are grown and have families of their own. Denny recently retired from Upper

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Alma Forst

Alma Forst grew up in the New Ulm area attending a one-room district school in Sigel Township, Brown County. She graduated from Cathedral High School in New Ulm, the College of Medical Technology in Minneapolis. She also spent nine winter semesters at Mankato State University taking many history classes, among

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John Chamberlain

John Chamberlain has lived in the Minnesota River Valley for 60 years, having graduated from Le Sueur High School and returning after education to a career as a country banker in Le Sueur. He holds degrees from Macalester College and Cornell University and an Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Army.

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Eric Annexstad

Eric grew up on a dairy farm near Norseland west of St. Peter. He graduated from the University of Minnesota, St. Paul, with a degree in Ag Economics. Eric has been involved in a farming operation for 40 years. In addition, he has served on various church and organization boards,

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Dana Melius

Dana grew up in the Winthrop community as part of a then-vibrant small town. Little did he know that he would return to that Sibley County town of 1,400 people to raise six kids with his late wife, Kim, who died in 2015. From 1980 through 1986, Dana owned and

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Jessica Becker

Jessica was born and raised on a farm in rural Madelia, Minnesota. After graduating high school with honors, she attended Minnesota State University, Mankato, working toward a history degree. While there, Jessica was an avid music student and participated in History Club activities. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts

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