Hoernemann leads Lester Prairie’s
parade as grand marshal
KIRA KARELS
Correspondent
This year, Chester Hoernemann, a Lester Prai-
rie resident and veteran, was at the front of the
Prairie Days’ parade.
Hoernemann has lived in or around Lester Prai-
rie his entire life. Growing up on a farm south
of town, he graduated from Lester Prairie High
School in 1957.
Enlisting in the Army National Guard at the
young age of 17, he served for 41 years and 10
months to the day. Retiring from the Army Re-
serve at 60, Hoernemann is a respected veteran
and member of the American Legion.
Enjoying the last 36 years with wife, Dianne, he
has been active in the community, serving on the
city council and the school board.
People may remember him as an early member
of the Lester Prairie Business Association, or a
former Lester Prairie Lion.
During his 40 years with the American Legion,
he served 10 years as commander.
Life has been far from ordinary for
Hoernemann.
His work history includes carpenter, excavator,
residential remodeling contractor, interior deco-
rator, plumber, and heating and air conditioning
contractor.
When doing fl oor covering work led to
severe back problems, he became a college
freshman at the age of 54.
After achieving a master’s degree in psy-
chology and counseling, he became licensed
as a professional clinical counselor. He
works at his clinical counseling offi ce in the
Glencoe Law Offi ce Building, doing step-
by-step behavioral counseling.
Hoernemann is a community builder. Still
working at 80 years of age, he stresses the
importance of learning at all ages. During
his 20 years on the school board, he was in
college and graduate school.
Something as simple as joining a com-
munity organization allows for continued
education, he noted. It helps the program, as
well as yourself.
“The strength is in numbers,” Hoernemann
said, “Our American Legion can always use
more veterans as members to better support Chester Hoernemann led the Prairie Days parade as grand
school programs and amateur sports, like marshal June 22 in Lester Prairie.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
American Legion Baseball, the Safety Pa-
trol, etc.”
munity, Hoernemann was honored to be parade
It is the sense of belonging that encourages him grand marshal ifor the town in which he grew up.
to help the Lester Prairie community continue to
grow and develop.
Having always enjoyed being a part of the com-
Senior Connections HJ.COM
Senior
Connections July/August 2019
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