Lonsdale Chamber chooses Homburgs as Grand Marshals

They enjoy a quiet life at their pastoral home tucked into the rolling hills of southwest Lonsdale, caring for their farm and their family. And although this couple prefers to stay out of the local limelight, their humble giving and generous community spirit made them the perfect choice as the Lonsdale Community Days Grand Marshals of 2014. 

Lonsdale Area Chamber of Commerce Community Days Committee Member Karmin Stanley said the board selected the Homburgs for this recognition because of their commitment to their town. “We reviewed three candidates for grand marshals,” she said, “and selected the Homburgs because of their involvement in the Lonsdale community.”

Otto and Darlene are active in their church, the Lonsdale American Legion and the Lonsdale Lions Club. In 1986, they generously donated 10 acres of their fertile farmland on the hill as an addition to the neighboring Calvary Cemetery. 

If that weren’t enough, for many years the couple has allowed the use of their hillside  overlooking the town as the launching site for the July 3rd fireworks, much to the delight of the throngs of onlookers in town celebrating the nation’s birthday. 

When asked to be the grand marshals, Darlene said she was completely surprised. “I still can’t believe it,” she said. “There are others out there that are much more deserving.”

Otto and Darlene Homburg moved to their Lonsdale farm in 1973 and raised three daughters: Cheryl, Janelle and Michelle, graduates of Montgomery-Lonsdale High School. Otto farmed their 100+ acres and worked at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport until his retirement in 2001. He was active in the U.S. Air Force, serving three tours of duty in the Korean, Vietnam and Desert Storm wars, and was a part of the military reserves for 42 years. He said they moved to Lonsdale so long ago because they enjoy the people and the small-town way of life.

Darlene worked at St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee and then at Anchor Glass until her retirement in 1999 when she worked in and around Lonsdale. She is a volunteer member of the Lonsdale American Legion Auxiliary and is also well known in Montgomery for her skills in the kitchen; especially for her award-winning kolacky in the annual Kolacky Days baking contest. 

She said they are excited for Lonsdale Community Days and look forward to being a part of the festival. “Being the grand marshals is a great honor and we are very grateful,” she added.

The couple will be recognized for their contributions at the Lonsdale Ambassador Coronations on Saturday, August 2, and they will ride in the Grande Parade during Lonsdale Community Days on Saturday, August 9. 

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