As we dug through the archives, the earliest mention of a Grand Marshal was in 1952 where the Montgomery Messenger mentioned the Grand Marshal was St. Paul Mayor John Dauhney. In 1953, it was Sgt. Leslie White of Waseca. According to the Montgomery Messenger, Sgt. Leslie White of Waseca, who arrived home the Saturday before the Kolacky Day celebration after spending two years in a Communist prison camp in Korea, was bestowed the honor of Grand Marshal.  Then in 1957, the Montgomery Messenger noted that the late George W. Retka was named Honorary Grand Marshal. George was a longtime enthusiast and general chairmain of Kolacky Days who had recently passed away. Since 1958, many great men and women have received this cherished honor! 

MACC felt there was no one more deserving than Don and Kathy Westerman to serve as the 2026 Grand Marshals. The couple both graduated from Montgomery schools and raised their five (5) children here. They both were active participants in all school referendums and general community improvement. Also are active members of St. John Lutheran. In terms of Kolacky Days, the Westermans have been involved with Kolacky Days for decades. They were instrumental in the Pivo (Beer) Garden setup with their yearly donation of lumber and volunteered as needed.

Don has been a baseball coach and youth hockey coach. He spearheaded the Memorial Park Stadium renovations that included the concessions area and improved the outdoor rink used by the community. He served on city’s planning and zoning commissioner and was a city council member. He has been recognized for habitat conservation by Pheasants Forever. Finally, he is a veteran of the US Air Force.

Kathy has been a school board member, involved with the La Leche League and the Friends of the Montgomery Library, and current board member on the Montgomery Community Foundation. She is a one of the judges of the Lego Challenge Contest for the past few years for Kolacky Days. She was a National Merit Scholar and spent two (2) years at Georgetown University before gradaturing from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. Finally, she spend time volunteering in the US Peace Corps.

Every spring since 1958, the MACC announces they are seeking nominations for the Kolacky Days Grand Marshal.  These individuals have played a significant role in the development and success of the Montgomery Area.  Congratulations to all our Grand Marshals.

  • 1952 - St. Paul Mayor John Daubney

  • 1953 - Sgt. Leslie White

  • 1957 - George W. Retka, Honorary Grand Marshal

  • 1958 - Matej David

  • 1959 - Carl Fischer

  • 1960 - Dr. Fred Westerman

  • 1961 - F.J. Turek

  • 1962 - P.X. Kennedy

  • 1963 - Emma Mladek & Lil Charles

  • 1964 - Emil & Mary Franke

  • 1965 - Queen of Snows Carla Augst & Grandfather August Augst

  • 1966 - Elmer Westerman

  • 1967 - Judge Frank M. Turek

  • 1968 - Joe G. Hruby

  • 1969 - Richard Mikiska

  • 1970 - Linus & Mary Ulbricht

  • 1971 - Jim Zelenka

  • 1972 - George & Ceil Feipel

  • 1973 - Dr. Henry Kucera

  • 1974 - Mrs. Joe (Leatta) Trnka

  • 1975 - Helen C. Keohen

  • 1976 - Ronald Novotny

  • 1977 - Frank & Ella Wisdorf

  • 1978 - Milton & Helen Bentley

  • 1979 - W.J. & Al Krenik

  • 1980 - Don & Rose Sweeney

  • 1981 - John & Margaret Ziska

  • 1982 - Ed & Eleanor Berninghaus

  • 1983 - C.J. & Helen Korbel

  • 1984 - Lloyd & Helen Richter

  • 1985 - Joe & Franny Kohout

  • 1986 - Babe Sery

  • 1987 - Jerry & Mary Ann Ruhland

  • 1988- Ed & Dorothy Herman

  • 1989 - Al & Rita Vlasak

  • 1990 - Elroy & Armella Mladek

  • 1991 - Blanche Zellmer

  • 1992 - Glen & Marge Flicek

  • 1993 - Mike & Ramona McGuire

  • 1994 - Glenn & Tatty Malone

  • 1995 - Butch & Jule Franke

  • 1996 - Emmanuel & Betty Vikla

  • 1997 - Jerome & Noreen Schleis

  • 1998 - Lorraine "Tiny" Dvorak

  • 1999 - Clarence & Dorothy Hruby

  • 2000 - Jerry & Cathy Herrmann

  • 2001 - Andy & Mary Regenscheid

  • 2002 - Larry & Karen Parsons

  • 2003 - Emma Pomije

  • 2004 - Leonard &Joan Ouradnik

  • 2005 - Jerry & Lorraine David

  • 2006 - Chuck & Berneice Kasper

  • 2007 - Ed & Mary Blumhoefer

  • 2008 - Roger & MaryAnn Heyda

  • 2009 - Ralph & Doris Hendrickson

  • 2010 - Berlyn & Garie Teig

  • 2011 - John Grimm

  • 2012 - Bill & Cheryl Marek

  • 2013 - Dave and Mary King

  • 2014 - Ruhland Family: Gary and Linda, Dale, Bob and Jan Ruhland and Ken and Mary Ruhland Tupy

  • 2015 - Steve & Bonnie Flicek

  • 2016 - Bob & Barb Rotter

  • 2017 - Bob & Lisbeth Janovsky

  • 2018 - Jake (John) & Kay Keohen

  • 2019 - Jim & Patti Mladek

  • 2020 - Buck (Arnold) & Gladys Zahratka

  • 2021 - Gerry & Dianna Smith

  • 2022 - Bob & Colleen Pavek

  • 2023 - Mick McGuire

  • 2024 - Marc & Kathy Peterson

  • 2025 - Dr. Mark & Mary Brahs

  • 2026 - Don & Kathy Westerman

The Montgomery Area Community Club would like to thank the Montgomery Messenger and the many relatives and friends of past Grand Marshals who provided these pictures for our photo gallery. 

If you have better picture of the Grand Marshals from the weekend, please consider emailing us at kolackydays@gmail.com or mailing it to 206 1st St. S, Montgomery, MN 56069.  The photo will be returned to you if you provided a mailing address.