GRAND OLD TIME — A retirement roast for Carl Anderson was held at the 3-in-One in Hollandale March 3. From left are Dale Miller, Anderson, Greg Bartsch and Darrell Hanson. (Star Eagle photo by Kathy Paulsen)
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
On Saturday night, March 3rd, an enterprising brother-in-law, Dale Miller, a fellow fire fighter, Greg Bartsch, and good friend Darrell Hanson of Blooming Prairie organized a "Retirement Roast" for Carl Anderson at the 3-In-One Bar in Hollandale, which is owned and operated by Miller. Firemen, along with their spouses or dates, from many of the local fire departments had been invited to the surprise roast.
Carl and his wife, Nancy, along with Carl's mother, Lettie, and Nancy’s parents, Eddie and Arlene Miller, were invited for supper at the 3-In-One Bar by Miller, Carl's brother-in-law.
As members of the local fire department started arriving, Carl suspected something was up. At 8:30, Greg and Dale asked Carl to take a seat in a place of honor that had been set up. Carl responded, "Thanks for inviting us. Ha, Ha."
Carl added, "You can pick your friends, but not your relatives."
A thank you party for Carl was held in January at the Clarks Grove Fire Hall in honor of 38 years of service to the Clarks Grove Fire Department, 20 as chief.
Dale, Greg and Darrell wanted to do a little more though, and, as a result, Carl was roasted.
Many firemen and a few close friends, shared stories about events that had taken place over the years as the volunteer firemen helped fight fires and hosted fundraising events. A few of Carl’s neighbors also shared stories.
The party was a huge success and befitting of Carl who, in many ways, was given "due recognition" for his years of service.
