By Kate Klimesh,
Best friends and long-time Spring Grove volunteers, Deb Lesnar and Peggy Landsom are being honored as 2023 Syttende Mai Parade Grand Marshals. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Kate Klimesh)
The Annual Spring Grove Syttende Mai celebration always includes the Grand Parade, scheduled this year at noon, Saturday, May 20. Leading the parade are best friends and long-time Spring Grove volunteers, Peggy Landsom and Deb Lesnar.
Sitting in Landsom’s kitchen with a fresh plate of lemon bars, Lesnar noted, “What a surprise to be asked.” Landsom added, “I was so honored to be asked. I’ve walked in the parade for over 13 years, but this is the first time I’ll be riding in it!”
The pair often are found working in tandem on volunteer projects all along the spectrum to benefit Spring Grove’s community, churches and especially the youth. Landsom added, “Deb’s always been my wingman, and I’ve always been hers.” Lesnar laughed, “I’ll be surprised if they can tell us apart in the parade, people are always getting us mixed up.”
Syttende Mai committee member Morgan Buckland stated, “Peggy Landsom and Deb Lesnar were chosen for this recognition by a committee who has noticed and appreciates all of their years of volunteerism for our little town!”
The pair has done a lot together over the years, with both agreeing, “When people asked for help, we’ve just said ‘yes’.” To that end, it only makes sense that the two are honored together this year for their dedication and tireless volunteering.
Kismet and kids brought them together. “When we first moved to Spring Grove 35 years ago from St. Peter nearby, Peggy came over to introduce herself and asked if we had children the same age. Peggy was my welcoming committee, she just walked over through the yards. We’ve been friends and accomplices ever since.”
Landsom noted, “Shortly after Deb moved in, my husband broke his back and he and Deb hung out together over that summer while he recuperated. And we’ve played lots of pranks between us,” “Oh yes,” added Lesnar. “Flamingos and toilets and goats,” Landsom recollected. “Really, anything you can think of,” Lesnar chimed in.
“Valborg Clauson is my idol and my downfall,” Landsom recalled, “She was very active in the community, and was recognized at the Minnesota State fair in 2010 with the Outstanding Senior Volunteer Award. When we first moved here, we had one child at that time, and Valborg told me, you get involved with everything you can with those kids, because when you’re old like me, you’ll have all those wonderful memories.”
And both ladies have been making memories ever since. The pair has been involved in Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts for 13 years, their respective churches; providing Youth religious training for many years and even painting, helping to grow the volunteer library into a sanctioned library through the Southeast Library Cooperating 11-county group — with paid staff and a budget, as well as supporting their children’s efforts to raise funds and install a playground at the Fest Building (which they note their kids are very proud of when they return home to this day).
They’ve also baked and cooked for Youth Fund-raisers, whether to get a class to a special destination trip, or for the church or community. “Oh, we’ve made so much rommegrot and pies,” Landsom exclaimed, laughing. They have also helped with costumes for the local plays, including Landsom making the Tin Man costume not once, but twice, and helping with the Festival of Trees. “Whatever people asked for help, for, we’d be there,” added Lesnar, smiling.
The twosome is planning a special surprise for the parade this year, but Landsom stated, “We asked what the Grand Marshal job is, and they told us to show up. Well, we can’t just show up with nothing.” Lesnar added, “I think our job is to invite folks to the parade. So, everyone’s invited. But I’ll be calling BINGO after the parade, so I can’t stick around.”
Staying active and deeply involved in the community is just a part of this dynamic duo – after each of their full-time jobs, which also included running a side business for about five years painting and wallpapering and other odd jobs they were requested to help with. “If we’re around, we’ll do it. After all, we have to make memories now so we can remember them when we’re old,” Lesnar laughed.
“But it’s such a good thing for us as well, volunteering is a great way to get to know people, because you’re working right beside them.” Be sure to make some memories at the Spring Grove Syttende Mai celebration May 17-21, and be sure to wave at the Grand Parade Grand Marshals Deb Lesnar and Peggy Landsom as they ride in the parade for the first time.
Deb has retired from Spring Grove Telephone four years ago, and spends much of her time traveling and visiting family. Peggy said she has one year until retirement, when she looks forward to just being Grandma. They welcome the younger generation willing to take up the volunteer mantle for the town.
Deb and husband George have four children: Chris, Martin, Sarah and Kate, and seven grandchildren. Peggy and husband Steve have three children: Matt, Mandy and Steph, and four grandchildren. They live in Spring Grove and man – do they live.
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