Outstanding seniors named
They're outstanding - and a bit humble, too.
Ray Frisch of Brainerd and Marge Cekalla of Deerwood were named the 2009 Crow Wing County Outstanding Seniors Thursday at the Senior Picnic at Mission Park. The event was sponsored by the Crow Wing County Council on Aging.
Frisch and Cekalla were recognized for their volunteer work after 65.
Frisch, 78, taught English at Brainerd Junior College and Central Lakes College for 38 years before he retired in 1995. He has been an active volunteer with the Crow Wing County Historical Society since his retirement. He volunteers once a week all year at the reception desk, greeting people and conducting guided tours of the sheriff's residence. He helps in the research library and takes a lot of time to make sure the files are kept up to date, said Marilyn Anderson, executive director for the historical society, who nominated Frisch. She said Frisch helps out in other ways and works full time for two weeks at the Crow Wing County Fair historical buildings during fair time.
Ray Frisch, Brainerd, and Marge Cekalla, Deerwood, were named the 2009 Crow Wing County Outstanding Seniors at a senior picnic Thursday at Mission Park. The award is sponsored by the Crow Wing County Council on Aging. Brainerd Dispatch/Jodie Tweed» Purchase reprints of this photo.
Frisch also has served for many years on the Brainerd Public Library Board and serves as chair of the buildings and grounds committee. He's active at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, where he spent 25 years as Sunday school superintendent and served as a member and secretary of the Parish Planning Board for five years. He also represented his church on the ELCA Northeastern Minnesota Synod and was a working member of the task force to elect a new bishop in 1996, as well as serving on the Synod Council's Executive Committee.
Frisch and his wife, Carolyn, started an endowed scholarship through the Central Lakes College Foundation to provide scholarships for students. He's also been active in Sons of Norway, Lakes Area Faith Caregivers, Habitat for Humanity, Lakes Area Senior Activity Center, St. Joseph's Medical Center and the American Red Cross. He and his wife have three children and five grandchildren.
Frisch's eyesight has gradually deteriorated. In 2006, he was declared legally blind. He can no longer drive but his wife helps him get to appointments and other volunteer activities.
"I'm just so proud of my dad," said his daughter, Kari Frisch. "I think it's nice they get recognized after hours and hours of service."
"It's great," Ray Frisch said of being named an Outstanding Senior. "I'm a man of few words."
Cekalla, who turns 73 next week, moved to Deerwood with her husband, Don, five years ago from the Twin Cities. She is a retired nurse. She is an active member of RSVP Volunteer Services and volunteers with the Garrison Area Caregivers, Garrison Food Shelf, the Garrison Lions Club and Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Garrison. She also volunteers as a hospice volunteer and through the Women's Shelter of Mid-Minnesota, Senior Center of Garrison, Garrison VFW and is a board member for the Light of the Cross Church in Garrison.
"I think it's wonderful," Cekalla said of this award. "It makes it all worthwhile. I feel because I'm 72, I still have a lot to give. I don't want it to go to waste. And I love people."
Frisch and Cekalla will be honored during Senior Day at the Crow Wing County Fair and will be recognized Sept. 3 at the Minnesota State Fair.
Mernyce Steberg, Garrison, was a finalist for this award. She helped organize the Garrison Area Caregivers, helped establish the Garrison Community Congregate Meals program, has served as an active member of the VFW Auxiliary for more than 40 years and assisted in organizing volunteers at the Garrison Food Shelf.
JODIE TWEED may be reached at jodie.tweed@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5858.