This year, the Stanley Chamber of Commerce is proud to honor Jeff and Cathy Ryba as the Grand Marshals for our annual parade. Few individuals embody the spirit of community like this remarkable couple, whose dedication and involvement have touched nearly every corner of Stanley. Their story is one of commitment, compassion, and community pride.
They have committed to a life rooted in Stanley. Jeff was born and raised in Stanley and has never called anywhere else home. Cathy moved to Stanley in 1979 after accepting a teaching position at the Stanley-Boyd School District. They married the following year and have since built a life rich in family and service. Together, they raised four children, and their pride in them shines brightly.
A carpenter by trade, Jeff is the definition of a community pillar. For five decades, he has been the steady hand behind high school football statistics and a familiar face on the wrestling mats as a varsity official. His dedication earned him the Wisconsin Athletic Service Award from the Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association.
But Jeff’s community involvement doesn’t end on the field. He joined the Stanley Fire Department in 2000 and continues to serve as a first responder, also lending his time to the Boyd-Edson-Delmar Fire Department and Ambulance Service. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to start Honey Do Maintenance, a small business known for helping widows and widowers with minor repairs—always delivered with kindness and integrity.
He has also served as Cub Master for the Cub Scouts, then Assistant Scout Master for the Boy Scouts, guiding young minds and enjoying countless camp outs. As a Red Cross volunteer, he responded to both local and national disasters, earning the Community Hero Award in 2009.
Cathy has been a Lifelong Educator and Cultural Connector. Cathy’s 35-year teaching career at Stanley-Boyd School District began in Special Education and found a lasting home in the 5th grade classroom. Her influence extended far beyond academics—she was a passionate supporter of literacy and continues to serve as the President of the D.R. Moon Memorial Library Board, now leading a major renovation and expansion initiative.
Through her work with the Aspect Foundation, Cathy has been instrumental in connecting Stanley to the wider world. She placed over 150 foreign exchange students in local homes and, alongside Jeff, hosted 16 of them in their own home. She believed deeply in exposing Stanley’s youth to global perspectives and building bridges across cultures.
When they aren’t giving back, Jeff and Cathy find joy on their small hobby farm on the edge of town. With two mini donkeys, a mini horse, four goats, chickens, and ducks, they share a love of animals and the simple peace that comes from farm life.
For years, Jeff has worked behind the scenes setting up the Stanley parade—designing wooden markers and helping manage the line-up, first with the Fire Department and more recently as a dedicated volunteer.
Being selected as Grand Marshals came as a surprise and honor. “It’s always nice to be recognized for what you’ve offered the community, but it isn’t necessary,” they humbly shared.
Their children—and now grandchildren—have always loved the parade, and this year, they’ll have a front-row seat as Jeff and Cathy lead the way.
In reflecting on their time in Stanley, Jeff and Cathy highlighted what makes the town special: an excellent school system, beautiful parks, and an ever-evolving list of community projects—from a new library and bike paths to a dog park and inclusive playground.
Their hope as Grand Marshals is to inspire the next generation. “Stanley is a progressive community, and we’re proud to be a part of it. We hope young people will find a way to get involved, to take the torch and carry it forward.”
Through every chapter of their life together, Jeff and Cathy have modeled what it means to lead with heart. Stanley is better for having them—and it’s only fitting that this year, the community takes a moment to cheer for two of its greatest champions.
Cathy and Jeff will be presented with this honor at the Miss Stanley Pageant and Grand Marshal Presentation held on Thursday June 12th at the Stanley Movie Theater. This event is free to attend and is open to the public with the doors opening at 6 p.m.