St. Patrick’s Celebration
www.pineandlakes.com
DOERFLER From Page 2
active is the key to living a long life, and his activity started long ago when he joined the naval reserves at just 16. After nearly a year there, he transferred to the Air Force for 7½ years. The Air Force took him abroad to England for a time, where he got to travel and experience new cultures. But simply being active isn’t the only reason Doerfler is involved in so many community activities and organizations, which also include the Light Up the Dam committee, Immaculate Heart Church and the chamber of commerce. “I meet so many great people,” he said. “And I really like working. … I can go to bed at night with a smile on my face, saying that I helped my fellow men. And that’s my big thing in life.” Another Crosslake activity Doerfler can take some credit for is the Hunter’s Rendezvous, an event he ran for 19
years. Hunters brought deer antlers or bear skulls in to get scored for free and measured for qualification in state and other hunting record books. And still more community involvement for Doerfler includes serving on Crosslake’s road commission under Mayor Fred Bieber, cemetery commission under Mayor Kurt Anderson and former police reserve under Chief John Backdahl. “If there’s another committee in Crosslake, I’d probably find it and serve on it,” he joked. “It’s just so much fun.” Though he knows there are other deserving community members as well, Doerfler is grateful to serve as this year’s parade grand marshal. “I am very, very proud to have been picked,” he said. “This is an honor. God has blessed me for 80 years of life.” Those blessings include Doerfler’s wife of 59 years, Shirley, children Donna and the late Joe Jr., three grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren. Shirley is also excited
to see her husband honored in such a way. “He makes me very proud,” she said. Even though this year’s parade will be extra special with Doerfler as grand marshal, it will also be bittersweet, as he no longer has his longtime parade companion and best friend, Charlie the shih tzu poodle. “He has been with us for many, many St. Paddy’s Day parades, and he has been in all the parades that we have towed the Lions trailer,” Doerfler said of the little dog who donned festive outfits every year. “He just won the hearts of many little kids.” Despite Charlie’s absence, the grand marshal will hold his head high in the parade, as he thinks about all the community involvement and fun activities that got him to that point. “I’m really proud of myself for what I’ve accomplished in life,” Doerfler said. “Anything I can do to help this community.” Theresa Bourke may be reached at 218-855-5880 or theresa.bourke@ pineandlakes.com. Follow her on Facebook and on Twitter at @ PAL_Theresa.
Gold Sponsor of the Crosslake Parade.
Thursday, March 8, 2018 3
Theresa Bourke / Echo Journal
Joe Doerfler, a longtime Crosslake resident, is honored as this year’s grand marshal for the St. Patrick’s Day parade because of his lengthy list of volunteer contributions to the city.
WELCOME
CROSSLAKE
TO
FOR THE
44TH ANNUAL
ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE SATURDAY, MARCH 17, AT 2 PM
Blinkie Button Special FREE 12 oz. New England Coffee or Cappuccino
March 17!
Walker, Akeley, Backus, Baxter, Crosslake, Hackensack, Longville, Pequot Lakes, Remer
On CR #3 in Downtown Crosslake • 218-692-2711 001677779r1
001695210r1
FNBNORTH.COM