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Arline Hoenecke, 81, is this year’s Sovereign State Day Parade Marshal. “If you want to have a friend, you better be a friend,” is what Arline would tell you, if you asked her why she has served her community without fail for 41 years. -News photo |
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Arline Hoenecke
2010 Sovereign State Day Parade Marshal
“If you want to have a friend, you better be a friend.” That’s what this year’s Sovereign State Day Parade Marshal Arline Hoenecke would say, if you asked her just why she’s so involved with, and so giving to, the community she’s lived in since 1969. It’s a tune she and her husband, John, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church from 1969-1982, have hummed their whole lives. Perhaps it’s why Hoenecke’s volunteerism seems endless. “John (who passed away in 1982) always said, ‘I can introduce you to one another, but I can’t shake your hands.’ Living a good life requires you to make that extra effort.”
Hoenecke, her husband, and their four sons – David, Jonathon, Mark and Joe – arrived in Winneconne in ’69 when John was called to serve as pastor of St. Paul’s. Prior to that, they lived in Bloomington, Minnesota for 18 years. “John had many other calls over that time, but declined each of them. The call to Winneconne looked good. Bloomington was getting pretty big, and we thought Winneconne might be quieter. We found out a little town is just as busy as a big one though!”
Hoenecke remembers liking Winneconne straight away. “I grew up in the Sun Prairie/Columbus area, so this was like home to me,” Arline added. She soon offered her services as organist at the church, and has been president of the Ladies Aid at St. Paul’s for countless years. As time went on, she found herself solicited to be a poll worker for the village – eventually becoming lead poll worker – a service she still performs today. “I can’t even remember how long I’ve been doing that job!” giggled Arline. She is a long-time member of Friends of the Library, current president of The Winneconne Historical Society, and for the past 41 years has taught many, young “ivory-ticklers” throughout the community how to play the piano.
“The more things you are part of, the more fun you have,” said Arline, 81-years young. “I enjoy young people and getting to know them. It’s encouraging to me and it keeps me young – from the waist up at least!”
Hoenecke added that as long as she can stay involved, she will. Interestingly, Arline has never driven a car. Over these many years she has walked, ridden a bike, or caught a ride to each and every activity she’s been a part of. Come Saturday, July 17 let’s hope someone will offer her a ride to the Sovereign State parade line-up! If you attend, you might just see her atop some float plunking out “Rollin’ Down the River” on a keyboard for our enjoyment. She’s like that you know – happy to share her talents for 81 years and counting.
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