The Stanley Area Chamber of Commerce recently asked for nominations for the Stanley Parade Grand Marshal and received a handful of excellent candidates. In a meeting earlier this week, Jerry and Mary Dirkes were chosen for the honor. Stanley resident Cathy Ryba nominated the couple and had this to say about them;
“Jerry and Mary Dirkes are the epitome of Stanley Grand Marshals. I am sure that if you live in Stanley, you have seen them doing what they do-Serve the community.
Jerry is active in many organizations. He is the treasurer for the Lions and Knights of Columbus. He can be found at the IGA during the tootsie roll campaign with the proceeds going to our local Special Education students. He is active with the Watermelon festival in July. He is the historian for our Knights of Columbus. There is a Knights of Columbus team that goes to Sojourner House in Eau Claire and they provide a meal for them.
Mary is also active with different organizations. She always helps Jerry with the many different activities he is involved in. I am sure if you did the cake walk at the Watermelon Fest, you probably got to see the many cakes she donates. She volunteers at Aspirus Hospital as a greeter. She donates a lot of time with the Catholic rummage sale. Have you ever played bingo at the Parish Hall? You would find her there helping in any way she can. She is also a member of a team that provides a meal at Sojourner House in Eau Claire. Both Mary and Jerry volunteer for the state Special Olympics.
Their legacy are their three children and five grandchildren. Anne lives in Orlando with her husband and two boys. Kimberly lives in Black River Falls with her husband and three children. Christopher lives in the Twin Cities. They try to get to as many things as possible for all of them.
Both were educators at Stanley-Boyd Schools and have touched the lives of many students in their careers. They spent their whole teaching careers in Stanley. So, you can see why they are a special couple and are a perfect choice for Stanley Grand Marshals”.
Jerry & Mary will be honored at the Miss Stanley Pageant & Grand Marshal Presentation on Thursday, June 18th at 6:00 p.m. at the Stanley Movie Theater, which is free and open to the public. They can also be seen at the head of the Stanley Parade on Saturday, June 20th at 2:00 p.m.