From staff reports

Albert Lea lost more than a former mayor when Marv Wangen passed away this week.

Wednesday, January 23, 2002

Albert Lea lost more than a former mayor when Marv Wangen passed away this week. By all accounts, Wangen was more than your average city official. He was the city of Albert Lea’s number-one fan – an enthusiastic booster, an effective ambassador and an involved citizen.

The list of ways Wangen was involved in bettering Albert Lea is lengthy: Habitat for Humanity, the United Way, Human Rights Commission, Greater Jobs, Inc. Board of Directors, Riverland Community College Presidential Advisory Committee, Salvation Army Board of Directors, Ascension Lutheran Church president, Albert Lea Housing and Redevelopment Authority – the list could go on. Wangen sacrificed thousands of days of his life to make Albert Lea better.

It can be difficult to find people committed to public service; that’s why so many people who are involved end up being stretched thin among so many committees and commitments. Public service can be demanding, but Wangen was truly an example of selfless service to his community.

It’s an example we should remember and hope to emulate. Not everyone needs to do everything, like Wangen seems to have done, but if each person got involved in some way – and if each person had the same faith in Albert Lea that Wangen had – this community would no doubt be a better place.