Commodore Career: Construction General Contractor, carpenter by trade

Commodore Date of Birth: 5.5.1962

Commodore Hometown: La Crescent, MN

Siblings in order: Joseph, Rosemary, Elaine, Leonard, Charles, Richard (Dick), Linda, Ruth,

Aloys Jr., Kathy, Edward, Terry, Patricia (Patty), Elizabeth (Betty), Bernadette (Bernie), Steve, Brian

First Mate Career: Business Administrator (i.e. wear many hats at the construction company)

First Mate Date of Birth: 12.7.1964 Hometown: Fargo, ND
Siblings in order: Marc, Julie, Steve Children 1: Maxwell

Spouse: Hanah Children 2: Neil

Children 3: Thomas
Date of Marriage: 6.23.1984

How did you and your partner meet? Andrea was a classmate of Jeff ’s brother Brian. Her group of high school friends were playing a game of softball one evening and Jeff joined the game. Days later he asked her out to see a movie at the Hollywood Theater. On the way to the movie, they stopped in Pettibone Park to talk and share a 6-pack. They never made it to the movie and the rest is history…

Commodore Hobbies and Interests: Gardening, hunting, outdoor activities, travel and playing games (you want to make a bet on that?).

Commodore Community Involvement: Family and Children’s Center (Board Member), Greater La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce (Board Member), Western Technical College – Foundation (Board Member), Church of the Crucifixion (President and Board Member).

First Mate Hobbies and Interests: Travel, cooking, outdoor activities, reading, music, crafting.

First Mate Community Involvement: La Crescent Area Event Center (Board Member), School District 300 Foundation (Past President and Board Member), St. Peter’s School (School Board Member and classroom volunteer).

Interesting Family History: Jeff is #17 of 18 children. Franklin Pierce, our 14th President, is a relative in Andrea’s family tree.

Tell the story of how you were asked to be a Commodore and First Mate: Leo Bronston invited us out to dinner but first wanted us to stop by his office to look at a possible construction project. Upon arrival, we were invited into a packed conference room. Jack Miller, also a La Crescent resident, started to tell Jeff that they were interested in

him building a warehouse for Riverfest. Jeff said he could work on a design and price. Then, Jack broke the news that Jeff was selected to be the new Commodore. In complete shock, Jeff quickly answered “Sure”. The group advised him to think about it for a few days. Yes, we did go to dinner with Leo and Kim.

One thing on your Bucket List: Jeff; hunting for moose in Canada. Andrea; sailing to several tropical islands on a yacht.