Outstanding seniors recognized

Meyer, Blomquist

are Outstanding
Senior Citizens

By KREMENA TODOROVA

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Elva Stahn Meyer, of Springfield, and Algot Blomquist, Jr., of Hanska, were recognized as the 2003 Brown County Outstanding Senior Citizens Thursday, during the Senior Citizens' program at the Brown County Fair.

Also at the ceremony, Ellen Lux and Douglas Current, both of Sleepy Eye, received the 2003 Brown County Senior Citizen Distinguished Service Award.

The four honorees received their distinctions for lifetime commitments to public service, having been nominated by groups they serve.

They received their awards with humility and cheerful humor, invariably stressing that anyone in the 250-plus audience would be at least as qualified "to stand here," and taking turns to thank their families, friends, and Brown County services staff.

The honorees have varied barckgrounds, interests and life stories, but they share a passion for volunteerism and a sense of caring.

Elva Stahn Meyer

Meyer, born on a farm north of Springfield, attended a rural school in East Sundown Township, Redwood County. She and her sisters walked six miles daily to get to their one-room school house.

Marrying a farmer, Meyer helped on the farm and devoted many hours to church and community activities, taking leadership roles in the 4-H movement.

She retained her lifetime interest in education. At age 52, she enrolled in high school correspondence classes and received her high school diploma.

Unsatisfied, she set out to attain a college degree, using every means available. She enrolled in correspondence courses, television courses and night classes on campus. She spent hours carpooling with other area students. At age 56, she graduated from Mankato State University with a B.S. in home econimics, which she used to substitute-teach.

Meyer has had three major handicaps. A history of ear surgeries and chronic infections starting in childhood has left her virtually deaf. She has had a triple bypass surgery and other heart procedures. She suffered a severe stroke that paralyzed her right side -- but recovered almost completely after intensive theraphy.

Despite her handicaps, Meyer continued to contribute to her church, community and family. She handquilts and donates quilts to fundraisers. She was involved in, and has written about, the Springfield Centennial. She has opened her home for money-making tours for the Women of Today. She donates home-baked goods and crocheted items to those in need and brightens the lives of friends and the homebound with her African violets.

Meyer is seen as a community supporter -- not always vocal and distinguished in a crowd, but showing good leadership as a loyal, positive promoter who genuinely cares about community.

Algot Blomquist

Blomquist, a lifelong Hanska resident, ran his own business until 1963, when he became a rural mail carrier with the U.S. Postal Service.

Service has been a priority for Blomquist. He enjoyed personally answering each and every Santa Claus letter that his post office received, addressed to the North Pole.

Blomquist served several times on the city council, and as mayor. He was a volunteer fireman. He held most offices in his American Legion post; and along with others, was instrumental in raising funds for a six-lane bowling alley. He was active in the Hanska Baseball Association and involved in establishing Hanska County Park and the restoration of the lake.

He was involved with the Save Our Schools organization that successfully kept the elementary school open, after Hanska lost its high school in 1968.

Blomquist was one of the founders of Hanska's Annual Syttende Mai Celebration. He has been the emcee for all the shows over the past 19 years and has handled ticket sales for the past seven years. Attaining the reputation of a wonderful emcee, he has been called on by various groups to emcee fundraising events.

He was involved with the Hanska Centennial. He is an active member of the Sons of Norway. He provides rides to hospitals and clinics, grocery stores, financial services, etc.; and shares his good humor with nursing home residents, among many other volunteer pursuits.

He has been described as "self-motivated, dependable, pleasant, helpful and kind."

Ellen Lux

Lux, born on a farm north of Sleepy Eye, grew up in a house that had been convered to a home from an old granary.

She helped her mother tend to a five-acre garden every year. At the age of nine, her mother began lining her up to do jobs for hire, taking care of babies and doing household chores. She remembers earning $1.50 a week, with half of that going to her mother to help support their family.

Married to a farmer, she helped with the farm for over 40 years and raised seven children. She was an active member of women's groups at her church, volunteering for special projects. She remembers the days when women would butcher chickens for church fundraisers; one time, they even butchered a steer.

Lux served in 4-H and the American Heart Association. With her husband and friends, she helped reclaim the Golden Gate Cemetery. Several women, including Lux, wrote a book on the cemetery's history.

She volunteers in senior groups, helps with church festivals, and visits the sick.

Talented in embroidery, quilting, baking, etc., she has been primarily described as a very kind and generous person, caring neighbor, good-natured, a true friend always willing to help.

Douglas Current

Current, an auto mechanic and an outstanding trombone and tuba player, has been associated with groups such as the Sleepy Eye Drum and Bugle Corps, Fess Fritsche Band, Six Fat Dutchmen, Roger Codet and the Cards, and the Elmer Scheid Band.

He has been involved in the American Legion and the VFW; and served on the Western Minnesota Baseball League Board.

He plays for gatherings in nursing homes and with the New Ulm Municipal Band, and mentors young musicians.

Current is active in senior groups, takes care of the building and grounds of the Senior Center, has been honored with the first ever group of outstanding men at his church, and delivers meals to community members.

He shares his time and mechanical and musical talents, and is well liked and respected throughout the area.

Also during the Senior Citizens' Program, Brown County youth shared essays about their grandparents. Attendees were treated to cookies, coffee and juice, and watched performers including the New Ulm Polka Band and the Wild and Wacky T. Texas Terry Western Comedy Show.