Issuu

Wadena Progress 2025

Treating the customer how you'd like to be treated, and sell your items at a fair price to the consumer and so that you can make a living, too.

— Hardware store owner Tom Weber on his philosophy of business

Weber's Wadena Hardware Co. celebrates 110

BY FRANK LEE Wadena Pioneer Journal

WADENA — Owner Tom Weber has worked at Weber’s Wadena Hardware Co. his entire life. And now the downtown establishment is celebrating 110 years in business.

“My kids both have worked here. I've had nieces work here — at least three nieces.

… My grandchildren have worked for me. … They do say I do treat them a little differently than the rest of the employees — a little harder,” Weber said and smiled.

The 66-year-old Wadena native married Mary Dee, a Verndale woman who recently

retired from Astera Health after almost half of a century for the regional health care provider, so a dedication to work runs in the family.

“Back in high school, they had a program where you could work on the job and get credit for it, so in 1975 I started working here in August on the school program … and then I stayed on,” Weber said.

The store was honored a decade ago for 100 years of continuous membership in the Midwest Hardware Association, which provides support and resources for independent hardware stores in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota and Illinois.

years in

“When I started, we had three service trucks. One was an appliance and furnace truck, and two trucks were plumbing trucks,” Weber recalled. “My first day on the job, I was in a ditch digging a sewer line for a brand new house out here in Sunnybrook.”

Weber started working at what was then known as Zosel's Wadena Hardware through the school's DECA Program in 1975. He started working full time at the hardware store for Robert Zosel after graduation.

“I'm a sportsman, so I like hunting and fishing and golfing. We sold all that stuff here so it just kind of clicked,” Weber said

business

of remaining with the hardware store through the decades.

In 1996, the store was sold to Gordon Macklem and Weber. It was Tom and Gordy's Hardware until 2000 when Weber took over ownership of the store. It was renamed Weber's Wadena Hardware Co.

“When I worked for Bob Zosel — which that family had this store for 80 years — he took a liking to me, and I became manager of the plumbing department and the sporting department, and so I just kind of gradually worked my way up the ladder,” Weber said.

Weber said no special promotions are planned for the store’s 110th anniversary

Frank Lee / Wadena Pioneer Journal

Tom Weber owns Weber's Wadena Hardware Co. on Jefferson Street South in downtown Wadena.

this year but rather it will be business as usual, even for an unusual hardware store.

“People will walk in here and they expect a hardware store, but they don't expect appliances. They don't expect a full sporting goods department — guns and ammunition and fishing and camping and drilling,” he said.

“They don't expect a sheet metal repair shop or window repair shop in the basement. We do skate sharpening. … We try to do anything and everything.”

In August, it will be Weber’s 50th year at the hardware store that now bears his family’s name. His not-so-secret to longevity in the business?

“Treating the customer how you'd like to be treated, and sell your items at a fair price to the consumer and so that you can make a living, too,” Weber said.

Weber’s Wadena Hardware Co. is an independently-owned member of Do it Best Corp., a member-owned cooperative

Weber's: 7

Frank Lee / Wadena Pioneer Journal

Weber's Wadena Hardware Co.'s online catalog features 67,000 items available for purchase, according to its Facebook page.

Frank Lee / Wadena Pioneer Journal

Weber's Wadena Hardware Co. is located at 109 Jefferson St. S in downtown Wadena.

Serving up happiness one slice at a time:

Larry’s Family Pizza celebrates 50 years

BY NICOLE STRACEK Wadena Pioneer Journal

WADENA — For the past 50 years, Larry’s Family Pizza has been a cornerstone of the community, serving up delicious, made-from-scratch food and fostering warm memories.

What began in 1975 with Larry and Shirley Lutrell, their daughter Lisa Leeseberg purchased the family business in 1995 after her father experienced some health issues, including two lung transplants and a stroke.

However, the restaurant has always been part of Leeseberg’s life. She started helping out when she was young and, once she reached her teenage years, she took on a larger role in the family business.

“I grew up working in the restaurant, and I think my parents kept scheduling me more and more so that I would stay out of trouble,” Leeseberg joked. “You can't get into a whole lot of trouble if you're busy working.”

Working alongside her parents, Leeseberg learned the ins and outs of running a restaurant taking on both the family tradition and business. From rolling dough in the kitchen to greeting customers at the counter, to busing tables and making the pizza sauce, a recipe that was handed down to her from her dad.

“We still make our dough from scratch, and it still rises, we still have to roll it out, and cut it," she said. "My dad has the sauce recipe, so we make that from scratch every morning."

Leeseberg said they used to make sausage and beef, but with health regulations it’s just easier to buy it frozen.

The menu hasn’t changed much either, nor has the local favorite — pepperoni pizza on their signature thin crispy crust. In addition to pizza, the menu also features burgers, soups, salads, appetizers, desserts beverages and ice cream in the summer months. Larry’s Family Pizza also offers frozen take-and-bake pizzas, delivery and customers can also order online and pick up their food.

The legacy continues with Leeseberg and her husband Darin, who opens the restaurant in mornings before heading over to UPS, where he works in the afternoon shift, while son Alex Redfield helps run the business. With nine kids total, Leeseberg said they all have worked at the restaurant at some point.

The building next door that has now been incorporated into the current Larry's Family Pizza was the site of the Luttrell family's first pizza business, so connecting the two buildings has a special meaning, Leeseberg said.

In 1989, while Leeseberg was in college, there was a fire that destroyed a portion of the restaurant. Coupled with her dad’s health, Leeseberg said she moved back home to help run the family business. Additional challenges the restaurant faced was the COVID-19 pandemic alongside numerous other businesses that had to adjust to the ongoing restrictions and regulations.

Nicole Stracek / Wadena Pioneer Journal

Lisa Leeseberg, with her son Alex Redfield, who helps run the family business. Leeseberg said Alex has been working alongside her since he was 14, and hopes to pass the family tradition to him when the time comes.

“But we just keep piling through,” said Leeseberg, who added the challenges along the way have been tough but the business has persevered. “We've been through COVID. We've been through the fires, and I'm not sure if it makes us stronger or if it’s just because we know the ropes.”

However, for Leeseberg, it’s the people and the community who make Larry’s Family Pizza so great.

“It's just a small town community, and you get to know everybody, so when they come in, you know, just like our coffee guys, you give them grief, they give it back, and you see them the next day,” Leeseberg said, noting when a regular customer doesn’t come in for their usual slice or cup of coffee she worries a bit.

The Leesebergs are also active in the community, taking part in annual events, fundraisers and concession stands at the school. Leeseberg said she enjoys giving back to the community and getting to know the customers.

“And I like the comments, or when somebody calls back, and says, ‘Great pizza,' I'm like, 'That's awesome,'” said Leeseberg, who added she appreciates talking to customers and sharing a laugh along the way. “We must be doing something right because they’re coming back each day.”

Leeseberg's parents, the Lutrells, opened the doors to what would become more than

Larry's: 6

Nicole stracek / Wadena Pioneer Journal

Lisa Leeseberg rolls out the pizza dough, a long-standing

passed down from dad Larry.

— Lisa Leeseberg, owner

Larry’s Family Pizza

Nicole Stracek / Wadena Pioneer Journal

Since 1975 Larry's Family Pizza has become synonymous in Wadena for their made-fromscratch recipes and excellent customer service.

just a restaurant — it became a gathering spot for families, friends and pizza lovers of all ages, she said, and their commitment to quality ingredients, homemade recipes, and friendly service quickly made Larry’s Family Pizza a favorite among locals.

As Larry’s Family Pizza prepares to celebrate 50 years in business, Leeseberg said it’s a milestone she’s proud of and looks forward to carrying on the family business and traditions created along the way.

“Sometimes it takes quite a few years just to get established, and we've made it 50 so we

did something right,” Leeseberg said about the upcoming milestone. While she hopes that her son Alex will take over the business one day, too, Leesberg said she isn’t planning on going anywhere soon.

“I love it. I can't imagine anything else, I've tried other things, and it still brings me right back here,” she said.

Larry's Family Pizza is located at 10 South West Bryant Ave. in Wadena. Visit their website at www.larrysfamilypizza.com for additional information.

NICOLE STRACEK is the community editor for the Wadena Pioneer Journal. She can be reached at 218-631-2561 or at nstracek@wadenapj.com.

Nicole Stracek / Wadena Pioneer Journal

Alex Redfield has been working alongside his mom Lisa at Larry's Family Pizza since he was 14.

Weber's

CONTINUED FROM 3

that provides products and services to independent home improvement businesses

“I think the hardware store is a mainstay of most small towns,” Weber said. “Granted, some of the towns are shrinking around us, but we are a county seat. We have a very good hospital, we have a good school, we have a community center. We have all these things going for us.”

FRANK LEE is the features writer for the Wadena Pioneer Journal. He may be reached at 218-631-6470 or at flee@wadenapj.com.

Frank Lee / Wadena Pioneer Journal

Wadena Hardware Co. sells

on the second floor of the downtown establishment.

photo Before Wadena native Tom Weber purchased the downtown Wadena hardware store, it was known as Zosel's Wadena Hardware and was owned by Robert Zosel.

Mason Brothers Company Honored 24 Employees with 289 Combined Years

On Saturday, 2/1/2025, the Mason Brothers Team gathered for our annual Employee Recognition and Safety Banquet, where we had the privilege of honoring 24 outstanding individuals who have collectively dedicated 289 years of service to Mason Brothers Company. Among them, Dave Nelson stands out with an incredible 44 years of commitment. After such a remarkable career, Dave is now looking forward to the next chapter— his well-deserved retirement! We also had a wonderful meal prepared for us by the fantastic team at Oma’s!

5 Year Awards

Kondaiah Nara

Bruce Bernstetter

Chantal Clews

Jennifer Seals

Mauro Reyes

Gregory Ward

Brianna Hinman

Daniel Lepper

Jordan Ashbaugh

10 Year Awards

Jennifer Johannes

Brandon Lempa

Robert Ludovissie

Andrew Knosalla

Jeffrey Hill

Roland Gilbert II

Rob Schau

Michele Clemetson

15 Year Award

Dale Runstrom

Scott Hillukka

20 Year Awards

Peter Steinke

Melissa Hurtig

Gust Schoon

Dave Nelson

1st Row: (L to R) Brianna Hinman, Jennifer Johannes, Melissa Hurtig, Chantal Clews, Jenni Seals, Duke Harrison, Scott Hillukka, Bruce Bernstetter 2nd Row: Dave Nelson, Mauro Reyes, Michele Clemetson, Greg Ward, Jordan Ashbaugh 3rd Row: Dale Runstrom, Rob Shau, Andrew Knosalla, Jeff Hill, Brandon Lempa, Kondaiah Nara, Roland Gilbert, Gust Schoon, Pete Steinke Not Pictured: Dave Pierson, Bob Ludovissie, Dan Lepper

Mason Brothers Company Honored 24 Employees with 289 Combined Years

5 Year Awards

Kondaiah Nara

Bruce Bernstetter

Chantal Clews

Jennifer Seals

Mauro Reyes

Gregory Ward

Brianna Hinman

Daniel Lepper

Jordan Ashbaugh

10 Year Awards

Jennifer Johannes

Brandon Lempa

Robert Ludovissie

Andrew Knosalla

Jeffrey Hill

Roland Gilbert II

Rob Schau

Michele Clemetson

15 Year Award

Dale Runstrom

Scott Hillukka

20 Year Awards

Peter Steinke

Melissa Hurtig

Gust Schoon

Dave Nelson

Quality Auto Body & Glass relocating to better serve Wadena community

BY FRANK LEE Wadena Pioneer Journal

WADENA — Things are moving along at Quality Auto Body & Glass in Wadena.

The auto body repair shop is relocating from 116 Ash Ave. NW to the former Northwest Building Center at 61 Juniper Ave. to better serve its customers, according to owner Gary Paavola.

“We're remodeling it still,” Paavola said of his recently purchased building by Subway. "Hopefully we'll move in sometime in April.”

No stranger to relocating, the 62-year-old husband and father of two is a New York Mills native who moved to Wadena in 1994, and he leased the Ash Avenue Northwest building for 15 years.

“We kind of tried to expand the present location,” Paavola said of the Ash Avenue Northwest building. “But there were just really no good options, and we just need more room and more space.”

Quality Auto Body & Glass has grown over the years and posted on Facebook

Remodeling work continues at the new site of Quality Auto Body & Glass at 61 Juniper Ave.

last month that it was looking to hire an office assistant/receptionist.

“We tried to make this work, but then this property came up for sale,” Paavola said of the Juniper Avenue building. “And I've always liked the location, and it's way bigger and would make a perfect body shop.”

Contributed / Gary Paavola

Body & Glass is an auto body repair shop in Wadena.

Contributed / Gary Paavola

Paavola said his present location on Ash Avenue Northwest can accommodate servicing six vehicles at a time compared to the 12 vehicles the Juniper Avenue building can accommodate.

“We mainly do insurance work, and we also do vehicle calibrations, which is your lane departure, your adaptive cruise control, all your cameras and your radars on your new cars. We also are equipped to recalibrate them,” Paavola said.

Paavola said he has been performing body work in the automotive industry for 45 years.

“I just was fascinated on how anybody could take a wrecked car, wrecked fender, straighten it and make it look like it's never been hit or damaged, so it was, to me, an art at first,” Paavola said of how he became interested in auto body repair.

Paavola said he has nine employees but would like to hire another auto body technician once Quality Auto Body & Glass relocates to the Juniper Avenue site where he has room to grow his business.

“Any of the service industries aren't that popular anymore, which is sad because it's a pretty good living. You can make a pretty good living off of it. With the new shop, we're going to be so much more labor efficient that we may not need another person,” Paavola said.

“With our set up right now, we move in cars constantly in the shop. We have to move one to get another one out. We're wasting a lot of time. With the new shop, nobody will have to move. You can bring your car into your spot, no problem, so we will be so much more labor efficient.”

FRANK LEE is the features writer for the Wadena Pioneer Journal. He may be reached at 218-631-6470 or at flee@wadenapj.com.

Contributed / Gary Paavola Quality Auto Body & Glass remodels the facility at its new site at 61 Juniper Ave. by Subway.

owner Gary

purchased the

I just was fascinated on how anybody could take a wrecked car, wrecked fender, straighten it and make it look like it's never been hit or damaged, so it was, to me, an art at first.

— Gary Paavola, owner of Quality Auto Body & Glass

Contributed / Gary Paavola Quality Auto Body

Glass

Paavola

former Northwest Building Center at 61 Juniper Ave. and plans to relocate his business to that location from 116 Ash Ave. NW.

West Central Telephone Association: 75 years of connecting communities

BY NICOLE STRACEK Wadena Pioneer Journal

SEBEKA — Since 1950, West Central Telephone Association (WCTA) has been a foundation for communication in rural communities, bridging the gap between neighbors and businesses.

From bringing reliable telephone service to rural areas often overlooked by larger providers, to becoming a leader in fiber optic internet provisions, to the everchanging landscape of technology, WCTA has grown into a cutting-edge telecommunications cooperative, delivering world-class fiber-optic services to homes and businesses across the region.

Established by a group of local Wadena farmers who wanted to bring better telephone services to rural communities, 75 years later the association's mission was simple yet ambitious: to connect their communities with reliable telephone service. Today, WCTA expanded upon that same vision, solidifying its commitment to members by connecting them to not only each other but the world.

CEO and General Manager Jon Loeffen highlighted the importance of WCTA’s commitment to its members.

“It was built by the members, and the purpose was to serve them,” said Loeffen, who added the same commitment has evolved from early telephone capabilities into providing top-tier fiber-optic internet, voice, television, security and smart home automation services.

Our mission for the future is to stay ahead of what our members need, from serving our members, to making sure that our network is always in a state that is beyond their current needs.

“By the end of 1999 everybody in our entire exchange had access to a digital subscriber line (DSL), which was huge for this area. I mean, there are places where it was pretty much unheard of,” said Geri Salmela, who has served as the marketing director at WCTA since 1996.

In 2013, WCTA received national recognition as one of seven Smart Rural Communities and the trailblazing award was a testament to their commitment and dedication to not only the communities but the members within those communities.

In 2016, WCTA received a Minnesota Broadband grant providing a pathway to build fiber networks to homes in rural areas. Nationally recognized as an National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA) as a Gig-Capable Internet Provider, WCTA delivers broadband speeds up to 5 Gigs to all of its members over their fiber optic network. The network includes over 2,170 route miles of fiber and spans 854 square miles.

Contributed photo / WCta Located in Sebeka, West Central Telephone Association mission is to provide exceptional and professional customer service, to promote customer ownership at all levels, and to be a progressive communication services provider with the vision to plan for and provide the services customers may need and want in the future, encouraging individuals and communities to thrive.

Over the decades technology advanced, and WCTA was at the forefront of each wave of change, he said. The introduction of direct-dial service eliminated the need for operators, and digital switching enhanced call quality. As cellular technology emerged, the cooperative adapted by ensuring its landline services remained a reliable

and affordable alternative for residents and businesses.

WCTA’s commitment to service and innovation allowed the cooperative to quickly expand, installing modern infrastructure to ensure that even the most remote customers had access to clear and dependable services.

With nearly 5,000 members, WCTA continues to bring exceptional and professional service to its members in Menahga, Nimrod, Sebeka, Staples, Verndale, Wadena, and Wolf Lake. Offering both residential and business services with everything members need to stay connected, from fast high speed internet to security and surveillance services.

Standing apart from larger, privately-owned telecommunications businesses, WCTA is a member-driven cooperative, something that

West Central: 15

— CEO and General Manager Jon Loeffen, WCTA

West Central

CONTINUED FROM 13

Loeffen said allows WCTA to not be dictated by industry trends.

“Because we are member owned we’re not focused on profits,” Loeffen said, who added, “We also give back to our members and a portion of profits are reallocated back to our members, because our members are our owners.”

It also provides WCTA the ability to invest in communities by providing communication tools needed to thrive to developing partnerships. Members also have voting rights, helping to elect who serves on the board of directors.

“Because we run on small margins, a lot of that is because of what we're giving back,” said Loeffen. “We do a lot of donations, we do scholarship programs, and we're involved in different ways including economic and community development.”

As WCTA prepares to celebrate the 75-year milestone the mission remains the same–serving their members.

“Our mission for the future is to stay ahead of what our members need, from serving our members, to making sure that our network is always in a state that is beyond their current needs,” said Loeffen.

WCTA is located at 308 Frontage Road in Sebeka. For more information about all of their services and learn how to become a member visit https://www.wcta.net or call 218-837-5151.

NICOLE STRACEK is the community editor for the Wadena Pioneer Journal. She can be reached at 218-631-2561 or at nstracek@wadenapj.com.

ADVERTORIAL

Radiation Oncologist Dr. Sheilaine Mabanta to Join Lakewood Health System

Lakewood Health System is proud to announce the addition of radiation oncologist, Dr. Sheilaine Mabanta, to its growing oncology team. Dr. Mabanta, who will officially join Lakewood in September 2025, brings a wealth of expertise to rural cancer care at Lakewood. Mabanta is Board Certified by the American Board of Radiology in Radiation Oncology and a member of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology.

Dr. Mabanta’s arrival further solidifies Lakewood’s commitment

to providing best-in-class oncology care right here in Staples, MN. As construction of the new Lakewood cancer center continues toward completion this fall, the addition of Dr. Mabanta marks another step forward in delivering comprehensive cancer care to our rural community.

“Dr. Mabanta’s extensive experience and deep passion for patient care will be a true asset to our team and the patients we serve,” said Dr. Wade Swenson, medical oncologist and leader of Lakewood’s oncology program. “Her

expertise in radiation oncology complements our multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, ensuring our patients have access to the highest level of treatment close to home.”

Dr. Mabanta joins a rapidly growing team of oncology experts which currently consists of five full-time oncology providers. Dr. Aquino Williams is also set to join the practice this fall, bringing the total number of oncology providers to seven. It is widely acknowledged that patients with cancer living in ru-

ral areas face limited access to oncology care and providers, often traveling long distances which can directly affect the quality of care and health outcomes. Lakewood is keenly focused on this, offering quick access to care to ensure rural patients do not have to endure lengthy and stressful travel to urban centers for treatment.

“The new cancer center is a game-changer for our region, but outstanding cancer care is about more than just a building,” said Lisa Bjerga, Lakewood President

& CEO. “None of this would be possible without our growing team of multidisciplinary experts. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated and passionate group of providers and staff, led by Dr. Swenson, who are committed to delivering the highest level of care.”

Lakewood’s community-based approach to cancer care in Staples demonstrates the importance of accessible healthcare in rural settings, showing that proximity to medical care can significantly influence treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction.

At Lakewood,weknowacancerdiagnosischangeseverything.

Ourroleistowalkwithyouonthisjourneyandprovidetheverybestcareand thelatesttreatmentoptionsavailable,soyoucanfocusongettingwell.

Picturedlefttoright: EmilyMcGovern,MD,JessicaNybakken,AOCNP;AquinoWilliams,MD(beginsfall‘25); AlyssaManning,FNP;WadeSwenson,MDandMariahNieman,FNP.