LeRoy Gerrard was chosen king of the 52nd annual Swedish Festival on Friday night, June 18, 2004, by the past Swedish Royalty. His three children and six grandchildren were at the event and read the following tribute. We would like to congratulate both of you, Mom and Dad. This is a special honor to be recognized by the community of Stromsburg. The crowning of King and Queen represents leadership for the community and leadership requires serving the community. You have done many things to serve this community over the past thirty years. For me, Stromsburg was a great town to grow up in as a child and both of you have done many things to make sure Stromsburg continues to be wonderful community for families. Dad is a member of the American Legion and for twenty-five years has served as a color guard member in the annual Swedish Festival parade and continues to serve in that capacity. I can remember as a kid watching the parade and Dad was leading the parade carrying the American flag. Now your grandchildren are getting to watch you still begin the parade with the color guard. Another tradition in our family has been to enjoy the delicious chicken from the Festival barbeque. Dad has also helped set up and cook for the chicken barbeque for many years. Also during the Festival, he measures out the route and helps facilitate the annual road race. Dad is a Chamber of Commerce member and routinely volunteers for community projects and events. Dad has also served in many ways for the new library. He was Chairman of the building committee. Presently, as a member of the library board, he not only serves as chairman but he helps maintain the new building as needed (minor repairs, cleaning rain gutters, hanging pictures, landscaping). He is also chairman of the Stromsburg Library Foundation, which provides funds for special projects over and above regularly budgeted projects. At this time, he is spending extra time working on plans for an elevator in the library and fundraising for the elevator. I used the old library as a child growing up in Stromsburg and now the new library is an important service for the present children and families. As City surveyor, he works on projects for Stromsburg with the mayor and city council and attends most of their meetings. Dad is a member of Salem Lutheran Church, and past church council member. A person like Dad is what makes Stromsburg a special community. He is always willing to help whenever anyone calls on him in whatever capacity he is needed.

Brought to you by The City of Stromsburg and the Stromsburg Chamber of Commerce

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