Meet the Board

President

Brendan has lived in Saint Michael his whole life growing up on the south end of town just off County Road 19. Brendan has been a historical society member since 2010 fulfilling the role of a board member, secretary, and most recently nominated Vice President. He has no genealogical ties with Saint Michael, but has taken a strong interest in preserving and promoting the local history. Brendan was a 2013 graduate of STMA, 2017 graduate of South Dakota State University, and now teaches mathematics at STMA High School.

Newsletter Publisher, Curator of Collection, Past President

The son of Harvey and Betty Zahler, Bob was raised on the family homestead. He is a graduate of St. Cloud State University and the University of St. Thomas. He is currently a Social Studies teacher at St. Michael-Albertville High School and has recently published a book on St. Michael entitled Faith, Family and Farming: A History of St. Michael, Minnesota

Secretary, Webmaster/Media Specialist, Membership Director

Crystal was raised on the Lehn family farm in rural St. Michael and is the daughter of Gary & Gloria Lehn. Her love for history started after finding old photos, at a very young age. She is currently a Photographer who owns a studio in Monticello. Crystal is a graduate of St. Cloud State University and also holds an MBA from Concordia University St. Paul. She built a new home on the Lehn Family Farm with her husband Erik, their 3 children and 3 dogs.

Treasurer

A life-long resident of St. Michael, Lisa has always had an interest in history. In addition to her involvement in the historical society; she has also been instrumental in the St. Michael Historic Church Preservation Committee. Lisa hopes the efforts of the society will allow future generations to have a rich history to share and enjoy.

Past President

Calvin discovered a love for history at a very young age. He first found an interest by listening to stories told by his elder family members and he finds enjoyment in helping to preserve the past for future generations. A lifelong resident and 2014 graduate of St. Michael-Albertville high school, Calvin has said he gives back and volunteers in the community whenever he can. Alongside his volunteer actives with the historical society, he proudly serves as a member of the St. Michael Fire Department and as a firearm safety instructor for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Past President, Past Membership Director

Sheldon has served on the St. Michael Catholic Church Parish Council as vice-chairman and Trustee. He is also a past Grand Knight of the Wright-Hennepin Council Knights of Columbus, former District Deputy, served on the Minnesota State Council of the Knights of Columbus as Program Director and State Officer, and has served as a Faithful Navigator of the 4th Degree Assembly in this area.

Accredited Genealogist Emeritus

A genealogist since 1967, Stephen is a presenter at historical and genealogical seminars and conventions throughout the nation. He is a recipient of the Wigilia Award, the highest award given by the Polish Genealogical Society of America. From 1981 to 2004 he worked as a Reference Consultant for the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. He is the son of Norbert and Cecelia (Gnitka) Barthel and resides with his wife and two sons in St. Cloud.

Earl, the son of William and Antonia (Wey) Vetsch was born on a farm in rural Frankfort Township near Pelican Lake. He and his wife Joan raised their six children in St. Michael. Earl worked as a carpenter in the Twin Cities for over thirty years and retired in 1997.

Born and raised here is St. Michael and formerly Frankfort township. 4th generation of Barthel. He grew up on the family farm south of St. Michael on County Road 19. He enlisted in the US NAVY after high school, served for 5 years on active duty, and is a Vietnam Veteran. He retired after 38 years with Federal Cartridge Company in Anoka. He and his wife Dottie have a blended family with 5 children. Lyle is also a member of the St. Michael American Legion Post 567 for over 30 years. For the last fourteen years he has been the Service Officer for the post.

Dan and his wife Theresa (Kremer) are both lifelong residents of St. Michael, whose families have a long farming history in St. Michael. Theresa's family farm was located three miles west of town and Dan's family farm was located at the sight of the current CashWise Liquors. Dan recalls many a farmyard ballgame being interrupted by the centerfielder calling out "CAR", while he played his position in the middle of Hwy 241.

John was born and raised on the family farm on Iffert Ave. "the Robeck Road", rural St. Michael. He is the son of Math B. and Adeline Schumacher Robeck. He attended St. Michael Parochial schools, being a member of the first graduating class of St. Michael Catholic High School, class of '54. John and his wife Carmen raised four children, Carol, Susie, Andy and Julie.

John's great-grandfather, Michael Jaeb, arrived in St. Michael in 1861. His grandfather, also named John, was the village blacksmith and founded a gas station later operated by John’s parents Allen and Helen. A graduate of Oklahoma State University, John and his wife Patti have four children: Sarah, Allen, Michael and Gregory.

Dick moved to the Bebee Lake area in 1967 when he bought 2 lake access lots next to each other. He moved a house on one lot and sold the other. He is active in Bebee Lake association operations. He has been interested in the history of St. Michael since he's been here and will do his best as a board member.