Community Corner

Township Supervisor, Longtime Lemont Resident Named Keepataw Days Grand Marshals

Lemont Township Supervisor Steve Rosendahl and resident Gary Krueger were selected by Keepataw Days organizers for their outstanding community service.

Lemont Township Supervisor Steve Rosendahl and longtime resident Gary Krueger will serve as co-grand marshals of the 2013 Keepataw Days Parade, festival organizers announced. 

Rosendahl and Krueger were selected by the Keepataw Days Committee to lead the 65th annual Labor Day parade, scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday in downtown Lemont.


Grand marshals are typically chosen for their community service, volunteerism and Lemont pride, organizers said.

"Gary and Steve were both highly recommended by numerous people in the Lemont community—a true testimonial of their involvement, service, dedication and inspiration within the community," the Keepataw Days Committee said in a statement.

Rosendahl, 59, has lived in Lemont for 26 years with his wife, Debbie. He served as a village trustee for four years and has been an active member of the Lemont Lions Club and St. Matthew Lutheran Church.

He was elected to his third term as Lemont Township supervisor in April. 

"Steve has touched many lives through his community service and can be seen at numerous events all over town," the Keepataw Days Committee said in a press release. "He is always willing to jump in with both feet and help out everyone and every organization in town ... Steve has a positive effect on the community and helps keep Lemont the place we all love to live."

Rosendahl said he couldn't be happier to lead the Keepataw Days parade—an event he has been attending since he lived in Romeoville in the 1960s.

"It's a really cool honor," Rosendahl said. "It's always a neat thing when people acknowledge you and the things you've done for your community."

Krueger, 70, was born and raised in Lemont. In fact, he still lives in the house he grew up in.

"I'm one of those Lemonters," Kruger said, laughing.

Krueger has been involved in a number of local organizations, including the Lemont Lions Club, the Lemont I&M Canal Commission (now the Heritage Commission) and the Lemont Firemen's Association. He is a former volunteer firefighter, and currently serves as a commissioner for the Lemont Fire Protection District.

"Gary has touched many lives through his community service and is always quick to volunteer when the need arises," Keepataw Days organizers said. "He is more of a behind-the0scenes type of guy and is more interested in getting the job done rather than receiving personal recognition. He works tirelessly for all kinds of Lemont projects, constantly striving to improve the village and doing his part for the community to make Lemont a special place to live in and call home."

Serving as grand marshal will be a particularly special experience for Krueger, who has participated in every Keepataw Days parade except one.

"I've been part of almost every parade since it started 65 years ago, so this is quite an honor," Krueger said.

When asked what he loves about his hometown, Krueger said the answer is simple.

"I can sum it up in three words: I love Lemont," Krueger said. "It's the truth."

The Keepataw Days Parade will begin at 1 p.m. Monday in downtown Lemont. This year's theme is "Retro '60s."

For more information on the festival, read "Keepataw Days 2013: Your Complete Guide to Lemont's Annual Labor Day Festival."


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