The Goodhue Area Jaycees organized on July 17, 1975 with 35 members. On July 15th, 2026 Daryl “Chip” Krueger organized a gathering of former members from 1975 through the early 1980’s with 24 alumni, 2 current members, and 19 guests attending. Alumni present included 13 Charter members: Dale Dicke, Jim Dicke, Gary Diercks, Jerry Jenson, Randy Kahl, Steve Matthees, Dean Opsahl, Tim O’Reilly, Dean Rheingans, Dan Ryan, Paul Ryan, Dennis Schmidt, and Bill Sutter. The event brought connected friends together to share food and fond memories of their time as Jaycees.
According to Wikipedia, the United States Junior Chamber, a branch of Junior Chamber International, also known as the Jaycees, JCs or JCI USA, is a leadership training service organization and civic organization for people between the ages of 18 and 40. Founded in St. Louis, Missouri in 1920 by Henry Giessenbier, the organization originally provided opportunities for young men. In 1984, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Jaycees could not discriminate based on sex, paving the way for women to become full members.
As a start-up organization, the Jaycees were promoted as the adult version of FFA. It was fitting that Dennis Schmidt, Goodhue High School’s then Ag teacher and FFA advisor, became the first president. A native of Gaylord, MN he taught in Goodhue from 1974 to 1981. He says he didn’t know much about the Jaycees at the time but joined because he enjoys being part of the community. His experience in the Goodhue Jaycees and desire to serve his community carried through his moves to New Ulm Public School, a 38-year career in farm management, and returning to his home farm in Gaylord. He now serves as the president of the Nicollet County Historical Society and is active in Sertoma, another non-profit civic and volunteer service organization.
The reunion began with a potluck supper at the fire hall followed by remarks from Chip Krueger. “I was very shy back then, basically I never left the farm,” Chip said, recalling his first meeting. When he joined the chapter, he was immediately thrown into a fundraising chairman position and eventually served as the president. “Without Jaycees, I would never be doing what I’m doing. What I’m talking about is what the Jaycees did for me…I would have never been on the school board, I probably would never have been on the fire department and I sure as heck would have never been the fire chief. They taught me so much about leadership and how to handle people…We all should be so proud of what everybody did…the projects that we did in Goodhue for the community and the youth.”
Chip provided copies of an original Plan of Action to each of the members in attendance. According to the Plan of Action – a handbook of Jaycee standards, planned activities, financial and membership status — the objective of the Goodhue Area Jaycees is to develop pride and leadership in our members while at the same time building a better community in which to live. On the agenda for the 1981-1982 year was funding and installing lights for the softball field. In addition to labor, the group raised and donated $7000.00 for the project. Beer and food sales raised $1220.00 at softball tournaments in June and July. Other major fundraising events included a tractor pull and pro wrestling in Goodhue, and a dunk tank at the county fair. Community service events in line with their yearly goals included a babysitting clinic, CPR training, purchasing playground equipment, a children’s Halloween party, and contributing to youth leadership and scholarship funds. The group also filled sandboxes and sold Christmas trees, which the current club continues to do.
Chip invited Sam Hinsch, current Jaycees president, to share a few thoughts. “It’s an absolute honor to stand before you guys. Over 50 years ago you were the young leaders shaping our community. You rolled up your sleeves, organized events, raised funds and built the kind of civic spirit that still echoes in Goodhue today… Your chapter has left a lasting footprint on this town and organization that we all love. Looking around this room, I see a living legacy of what the Goodhue Jaycees stand for: service, friendship and personal growth… You proved that a small town group of ambitious young people could make a big difference…On behalf of today’s Jaycees, we thank you. We thank you for your service, your example, for keeping the spirit of the Jaycees alive all these years. We are proud to follow in you guys’ footsteps.”
Members that followed the now “Exhausted Roosters” (an affectionate title for a Jaycee that reaches the maximum membership age) indeed had big shoes to fill. Steve Matthees and Chip began to throw out ideas for a new town celebration they dubbed, “Volksfest”. The first festival was held in 1982 with help from the FHA and FFA. Current member, Gavin Hokanson, reported on the 36 members’ recent projects including how Volksfest income is used to help local families, and fund scholarships and school team activities. Sam summed up their presentation calling Volksfest, “Our celebration to bring everyone back together and celebrate the town we all love and enjoy.”
Chip called on attendees to share some special memories. There was much laughter and agreement of the fun they had going on trips and playing baseball and volleyball. They referenced events like the 1976 bicentennial celebration, selling concessions at Frieda Vieths’ store auction, and starting the Udder Run and wrestling tournaments. Creating a haunted house at the swimming pool was a favorite of many. Bill Sutter commented, “It’s nice to see all you people, try and remember everybody, and appreciate everything you did for the community and the Jaycees. It’s unbelievable all the stuff that we’re hearing and remember that we did all that stuff – and we’re still alive.”
