by Mari Radtke
Dan Ohlendorf, fresh out of the car from his winter weeks in the south formally was offered and accepted the proposed contract from the city of Marcus to perform the duties of Economic Developer. The special meeting of the Marcus Council was held Wednesday March 18.
The contract laid out a clear set of expectations, particularly his time. Councilman Steve Schmillen commented, “The $200 a month contract city job is not for the money. You have to want to see the city prosper.”
Ohlendorf explained that he and his wife, Rose, do travel some. He shared some of his background and said, “I’m looking for something to occupy my brain. I want to serve.”
Ohlendorf was advised that the job entailed developing and strengthening relationships wit hother communities and promote Marcus. “I’m ready to help,” Ohlendorf replied.
Schmillen went on to describe his view. “Marcus is doing really well. There is no need to see the top of the plateau. We want to climb the next mountain.” Ohlendorf was advised of the various civic meetings that would make helpful connections for him. “I’m in!” he said.
Dan Ohlendorf was born and raised on a farm south of Marcus. He graduated high school from Marcus Community School, attended USD for 4 years and graduated. He went to officer training school for the United States Air Force. He spent 5 years as a KC 125 navigator and lived 30 years in California. He returned to Marcus in 2009. He spent time working for an online auction company, Big Iron, and considers himself semi retired. “I’m looking forward to this,” he said. “It will be an interesting experience. There is a lot going on. There will be a learning curve and I’m looking forward to doing it because I don’t want to retire with nothing to do.”
Currently, Dan serves as the President of Marcus Lions’ Club and is a member of Marcus Historical Society. He is married to Rose and has a daughter and grandkids living in LeMars.