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Just West of Waconia on Hwy 5 952-442-5000 |
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Sebenaler Chiropractic Center Chaska * 952-448-9908 |
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CORNERSTONE Insurance Agency David Barsness * 952-448-5028 |
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8661 Deer Run Dr. * Victoria 952-443-2351 |
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MACKENTHUN’S MEAT & DELI St. Bonifacius * 952-446-1234 |
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Dine in Downtown Victoria * 952-443-2858 |
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952-442-4411 |
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“Trees Are Our Roots” 8099 Bavaria Rd * Victoria * 952-443-2990 |
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Island View Dining Waconia. 952-442-2956 |
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They’ve also visited several European countries including Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway. Prior to marriage Joan enjoyed all of western Europe, including Algeria. For 18 years they vacationed for a couple weeks each winter on Maui. This past August they toured San Francisco and the West Coast with Peter and Paul Wendinger, the brothers from New Ulm who have also entertained at the Touch of Bavaria in Victoria. “We did get a little tired of all the polka music,” smiled Kieth, “but it was otherwise just marvelous.” Kieth is 50-year member of the Zuhrah Shrine. “The money we raise through dues goes to fund Shriners’ hospitals,” he said. “The hospitals are solely for children in families that can’t afford it. Inability to pay is a prerequisite. We pay for their every visit to the doctor, the surgeries, the toys. It takes millions of dollars to operate the 22 hospitals and burn centers in North America.” Kieth mentioned that he’s a member of the Shriners’ Hundred Million Dollar Club and has been for years. “It’s a support in addition to dues,” he said, adding, “You can only become a Shriner if you’re a Mason. I’m a 50-year member of the Scottish Rite of Masons, 32nd degree.” Kieth referred to other accomplishments of the Masons. “They actually laid out the grid work for Washington D.C.,” he said. “Many of our presidents were Masons, including George Washington, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Teddy Roosevelt, Harry Truman, and Gerald Ford. Anyone can be a Mason. The only prerequisite is, when they ask, ‘In whom do you place your trust?’ you must answer, ‘In God.’” The Geskes are big fans of Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia and Ridgeview Foundation, which they support as volunteers and also financially. The Foundation recently recognized their philanthropy, along with daughter Allison and son in law Randy, in a publication the Foundation distributes called Focus. The article states, “This family of philanthropists shares a passion and vision for Ridgeview but is humble and quiet about their significant contributions.” Kieth also belongs to Fin, Fur, and Feather of Minneapolis, which is “the oldest hunting and fishing club in Minnesota. And he’s a member of Norske Torske Klubben at St. Paul. “Ours is the largest and oldest Norwegian club in Minnesota,” he said. “We meet nine times a year. The torsk is flown in fresh from Norway.” Joan’s extra curricular activities, in addition to antiquing and church work, include volunteering at the Arboretum, which brings back memories of her childhood, since it’s where the family farm was located. She also plays the piano for her personal enjoyment. And, of course, there are the Geske children and grandchildren. Jennifer Scherle is an RN, lives in Rogers, MN, and has three children. Scott Geske does landscape work, lives in Arizona, and has three children. Allison Schneewind is an LPN at Good Samaritan in Waconia, lives in Waconia, and has two children. Todd Geske is a building inspector and lives in Maple Grove. *** Kieth and Joan Geske don’t seek the limelight, yet many of their friends are on the big stage of life. They are generous to those on the little stage, to people in need. They help those who help others, including the Shriners and Ridgeview Medical Center. Their demeanor is joyful, pleasant, and gracious, with quiet dignity. And they are informed, but not out to impress. Although their conversation is current with family, politics, government, sports, travel, antiques, history, and geography, none of it is gleaned from the internet. “We don’t have a computer,” said Kieth. “We only signed up for cable a year ago.” Now that takes gravitas!
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November 2010 |
