At Monday’s City Council meeting, Mayor John Dietz presented the May Volunteer of the Month Award to Louise Kuester in recognition of the service and contributions to our community made by her late husband, John Kuester.
Since moving to Elk River in 1980, Kuester was instrumental in a variety of community and statewide initiatives. He helped create the McKnight Foundation’s Minnesota Initiative Foundations, and helped launch the Three Rivers Community Foundation.
Kuester served on the board for Independent School District 728, and was a board member and chair of the Sherburne County Historical Society. Kuester was also a Minnesota representative on the National Trust for Historical Preservation and started the Minnesota Barns organization.
In the early 2000s, Kuester was involved in efforts to save the historic Oliver Kelley Farm and was instrumental in raising funds to not only keep it open but to eventually build additional facilities and launch new programs on-site. As a member of the Elk River Parks and Recreation Commission, Kuester assisted in the acquisition and development of Woodland Trails Regional Park.
John Kuester, has left an amazing legacy to be enjoyed by all residents of Elk River for generations to come.
Each month the City of Elk River recognizes individuals for their outstanding volunteer efforts. Click here to learn about award eligibility or to nominate someone.