Richard Crumb: A long and winding life
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Longtime NR area resident recalls his service in World War II
RIGHT AT HOME — World War II veteran Richard Crumb is comfortable in his rural home near Matawan, and for good reason. His grandfather built the home in 1875 and he was born there, as was his father. (Star Eagle photo by Jim Lutgens)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
Richard Crumb was born and still lives on the family farm built by his grandfather, John, in 1875 — two years before New Richland came into existence. He and his siblings walked about two and a half miles to to Matawan for school, something he enjoyed.
“I liked going to school,” said Crumb. “It was a good thing. That was brought forth from my parents, that education was a good thing.”
Since New Richland had no school buses, he went to high school in Freeborn, where he was elected class president and delivered the speech for the graduating class of 1942.
Crumb, 90, still gets around on his own. He still drives. He’ll take visitors out to one of his fields and kindly send them home with sweet corn. He has an easy smile and a twinkle in his eye as he talks about the past — which he remembers well. He can tell you about the time he and his brothers defeated the New Richland team in baseball. And he can tell you about World War II.
World War II was not about feeling good
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After all these years, Thompson talks about it
DAMN LUCKY — That’s what Harold Thompson’s nickname was in the Philippines during World War II, where he survived many brushes with death. (Star Eagle photo by Jim Lutgens)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
For many years, Harold Thompson did not talk about what happened in World War II.
That doesn’t mean he forgot; but it wasn’t necessarily where he wanted to be. Like most young American men, he felt a need to be there.
For its part in helping to defeat Germany and Japan, his has been called the Greatest Generation, and it’s something he’s proud of.
“It makes you feel good,” he said.
But World War II was not about feeling good.
Dacoda keeps smiling
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Six years after being diagnosed with pre-leukemia, rural Hartland boy to be honored at Freeborn County Relay for Life
ALL SMILES — David Malakowsky and children Dylan, Tiara, Dacoda and Tylar at a recent ice cream social for the Freeborn County Relay for Life. (Star Eagle photo by Kathy Paulsen)
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
While sitting at the Albert Lea Relay For Life Ice Cream Social recently, my eye landed on a young boy sporting an NRHEG Panthers T-shirt and his siblings. It was a chance, enlightening experience that won’t be forgotten.
Visiting with the David and Amanda Malakowsky family, which includes Tiara, Dacoda, Dylan and Tylar, was a joy. What a happy, outgoing family that has had more than their share of problems. But in spite of it all they keep smiling.
The biggest smile was from 8-year-old Dacoda, who at 2 years old was diagnosed with pre-leukemia that required a bone marrow transplant that came all the way from Germany. David said that was good place to come from because their ancestry was German and Dutch.
They got the name correct
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Comeback queen Jade a true gem
ENJOYING THE VIEW — Jade Schultz poses for a photo on the deck of her family’s Beaver Lake home. The 2014 NRHEG High School graduate has experienced many ups and downs while helping the Panthers win two state basketball championships and dealing with knee injuries. (Star Eagle photo by Kathy Paulsen)
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
Jade is a hard translucent mineral.
Jade is a gemstone supposedly able to cure pain in the side.
Jade is also a girl that is a gem.
When John and Wendy Schultz named their baby girl Jade, they couldn't have been more accurate.
Jade the mineral is a gem unique for its symbolic energy and the lore that surrounds it. Jade the girl is unique for her beauty, her wide, romping expressiveness, and her robust elegance and commitment.
After 34 years, the timing is right
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Conway retires after long career as elementary teacher
THE TIME IS NOW — After 34 years as an elementary teacher, Mary Conway now has more time to spend in her back yard. (Star Eagle photo by Jessica Lutgens)
By JESSICA LUTGENS
Staff Writer
When it comes to teaching, you could say it’s in her blood.
“It’s like this profession was handed to me on a gold platter,” said recent NRHEG retiree Mary Conway.
One of several beloved and longtime staff members bidding adieu to the district this year, Conway dedicated 34 years to her career, although education is something she’s been involved with since she was young.
Born and raised in Waseca, where her mom was a kindergarten teacher for many years, Conway’s motivation behind her career choice is obvious; one of her favorite activities as a child was playing “school” with her sister, and she taught Sunday school.