Zwarts named Elysian Grand Marshals

For more than 50 years Ted and Jeanne Zwart have lived in rural Elysian. They raised three children, Ted had a successful construction business and Jeanne worked for many years at the bank in Elysian.

While busy raising their family, work, and their small farm northwest of Elysian they still found time to volunteer and give back to the community they have called home since 1973.

Their continuous involvement in local events has been noticed for years.

After being asked to serve as the Elysian 4th of July Parade Grand Marshals for many years, the Zwarts finally accepted in April after being asked during the annual Elysian Chamber Meeting.

One of the reasons they declined the Elysian Chamber’s designation as Grand Marshals was their involvement in the 4th of July Celebration. They volunteered for many events and didn’t feel they had the time to take away from their volunteer duties to be Grand Marshals.

Both volunteered with the Grand Parade and with those responsibilities being in the parade would be tough.

A couple of years ago they retired from parade duties and after some discussion, the couple happily agreed to being the Grand Marshals. They will be towards the front of the parade which will be held Thursday, July 4 at 2 p.m.

“I knew she wouldn’t do it unless I sat beside her,” Ted said of their Grand Marshall selection.

Ted grew up in Edgerton and Jeanne in Burnsville. The couple met at Mankato State University in the early 70s.

The first meeting was when Jeanne went with her roommate to the home which Ted was living with three other guys. Her roommate cleaned for them and cooked them dinner that night, but Ted didn’t stay long - he had a date that night.

The two ended up meeting later at Mankato State in a class and in 1973 they were married. The couple purchased the small farmstead where they currently live where they...

To see more on this story pick up the July 4, 2024 print edition of the LifeEnterprise.