Glada Koerselman Passes Away

(Le Mars) — Long-time Le Mars journalist and community activist Glada Koerselman has passed away.  Koerselman was 84 at the time of her death on Monday, September 22nd.  Koerselman was employed with the Le Mars Daily Sentinel for 36 years, and was editor of the local daily paper for 28 years from 1968 until 1986.  She was also responsible for many community projects, including saving the old Central High School building and converting it to the Plymouth County Historical Museum.  Long time friend, Bill Renken reflects upon the many of Koerselman’s community contributions.

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Renken says for many years he remembers fondly the writings of Glada and the photography by her late husband, Dick, especially for a book they published together about the famous round barn, now located at the Plymouth County fairgrounds.

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Right up to the time of her death, Koerselman was still writing, as she published a newsletter entitled: “The Messenger”.

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Koerselman enjoyed watching Le Mars Community school functions, and would often talk about the original Le Mars Community Bulldog from a former coach and teacher of Le Mars Community.  She was honored as the Le Mars Community Distinguished Alumnus this past May.  Renken credits Koerselman for saving the Fourth of July celebration and parade.

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And how will Renken best remember Koerselman?

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