Commodore Career: Bank President, Merchants Bank of Onalaska

Commodore Date of Birth: 10.9.1955 Commodore Hometown: Willmar, MN Siblings in order: Kathy Wade
First Mate Career: Education

First Mate Date of Birth: 8.10.1956

Hometown: Born in Omaha, grew up in Bloomington, MN

Siblings in order: Sue Hartley, Karen Prescott

Children 1: Aleesha Torres Spouse: Nate Torres

Grandchildren: Ellen (2016) Children 2: Angela Frank

Spouse: Pete Frank Grandchildren: Christian (2011)

Bennett (2014) Date of Marriage: 11.26.1977

How did you and your partner meet? When Pat was a Junior in high school, her family moved to Willmar, MN. Steve lived across the street. We started dating in the summer of our senior year and have been together ever since.

Commodore Hobbies and Interests: Motorcycling, yard work, family/grandchildren.

Commodore Community Involvement: YMCA board of directors, UW-L College of Business advisory board, United Way campaign cabinet, Freedom Honor Flight volunteer.

First Mate Hobbies and Interests: Spending time with family/grandchildren, gardening, running, and reading.

First Mate Community Involvement: Looking forward to fully retiring to have the time to commit to helping children in our community.

Tell the story of how you were asked to be a Commodore and First Mate: Bill Hoel called to set up a meeting at
my office at Merchants Bank. I thought it was regarding Freedom Honor Flight. Bill Hoel, Jim Nesbitt, and Roger Bjorge appeared in my office and asked me if I’d like to be the 2012 Riverfest Commodore.

One thing on your Bucket List: To travel to Italy!