Small, but active — Lake Mary VFW ladies

The ladies auxiliary to Lake Mary VFW Post 9232 of Winsted is a very busy group of ladies. From making a cookbook to organizing fundraising activities, the auxiliary supports veterans and their families among other causes.

Rose and Margie Heimerl, a mother daughter team who are no strangers to war, have served area veterans for many years through the ladies auxilery and the VFW.

Margie Heimerl of Winsted has been an auxiliary member for 13 years.
All six of Heimerl’s brothers served during war times.
She certainly understands the toll that war can take on a soldier, as one of her brother was killed while serving, one was shot in the arm, one lost much of his hearing and one suffered from having his feet frozen.
“Our guys and gals who are veterans need our support,” Heimerl said.
Rose Heimerl, Margie’s daughter, is the commander of the VFW, and believes it is very important to offer assistance to veterans in any way possible.
Rose, herself, served in the Air Force, and understands the importance of providing veterans with a sense of community when they return home.
“If anyone knows of a veteran who needs anything, they should contact the Legion or the auxiliary,” Rose said.
First installed in October of 1963, the auxiliary has had a long-standing presence in the community. Meetings were originally conducted at Eddie Corrs’ Resort on Lake Mary, which is how the auxiliary got its name.
Ethel Emich was the very first president, Louella Zimmermann was the first secretary and Lova Kraemer was the first to serve as treasurer.
Surviving as charter members since 1963 are Ethel Emich, Viola Schauer, Mary Stifter, Margaret Thiemann, and Irene Weinbeck.
The auxiliary’s first department convention took place at the Radisson Hotel in Minneapolis. Representing the group was Jerome and Margaret Thiemann, Robert Bayerl, Phillip and RoseAnn Fiecke.
Another memorable convention for the group was hosted out of Moorhead when president Rose Ann Fiecke drove to the convention in her mobile home, accompanied by delegates Codie Barrett, Julia Lueck, Ethel Emich and Shirley Sterner.
Fundraisers have been a big part of the auxiliary’s work over the years. Ladies Night Out and Christmas cookie sales in the old city hall are some of the activities the auxiliary has hosted.
A “no bake” sale for cancer aid and research has been added to the list of groups that the auxiliaries charities. The ladies also put together a cookbook, and had a buffalo feed at Hainlin Park where 426 people were served.
The auxiliary also ran a food stand at the local airport during its Fly In celebration.
With the number of veterans increasing every day, the auxiliary needs more members to support its mission.
New members to the auxiliary for 2009 are, Leah Michaeles, Sherri Mallak, and Shirley Vorlicek.
Lake Mary VFW meeting times
Those who are a veteran of a foreign war or conflict and would like more information about the VFW, may contact Rose Heimerl at (320) 224-8599 or Dave Gailey at (320) 485-4306.
The Lake Mary VFW meets the second Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the American Legion in Winsted.
VFW Auxiliary President Margie Heimerl welcomes any interested woman who has a relative that has served in a foreign war to attend the auxiliary meetings, set for the second Thursday of each month at 2:30 p.m. at the Winsted American Legion.
Currently, the auxiliary has about 44 members.