Mullenbach, Opdahl named outstanding senior citizens

 

A laundry list of involvements meant recognition for outstanding male and female senior citizens for two Freeborn County residents.

Imogene Opdahl and Dave Mullenbach were recognized as outstanding senior citizens Wednesday afternoon at the Freeborn County Fair.

Presenter Susie Petersen said the award is presented by the Minnesota State Fair, Minnesota State Fair Foundation and the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs to recognize those who demonstrate the spirit of volunteerism and service on behalf of their community.

Among other involvements, Opdahl has volunteered for blood drives, supervised the fair’s 4-H non-livestock building, serves on Emmons Lutheran Church’s parish council, volunteers at the Emmons library, is past mayor of Emmons and leads a Freeborn County Crisis Response team.

“Jeanie, you are an inspiration to all of us and you set an example of how you give back to the community,” Petersen said.

For Opdahl, her reason was simple.

“I love volunteering,” she said during the ceremony.

When Eaton presented Mullenbach with his award, she listed six awards he has received since 2000, including the President’s Call to Service Award from the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation in 2002 and, most recently, his 2017 Mayor’s Community Service Award.

“If there’s a need in Albert Lea, Dave is there,” Eaton said.

Mullenbach is a veteran and former Albert Lea American Legion Post 56 commander, past president of Daybreakers Kiwanis, volunteered for the Albert Lea Township Fire Department, does maintenance at Freeborn County Historical Museum; is president of the wrestling, volleyball, softball and baseball associations; serves on St. Theodore Catholic Church’s financial council and volunteers with Shinefest, in addition to further commitments in the community.

“I tell all you people, when somebody calls and asks for help, if you only do it one time to volunteer, do that,” Mullenbach said. “It’s worth all the money in the world to do that, because, well —”

“— you’ll get addicted,” Eaton finished for him.

Eaton said the pair will go on to the Minnesota State Fair as outstanding representatives of Freeborn County.

“Dave and Jeanie are such role models,” Eaton said. “We hope they encourage you to give back to your community …. Whatever your interest or passion is, give back.”