Cheers goes to Groschupf

Perk Groschupf spent her early years in Fergus Falls, Minn. Being from a family of 11 kids, it seemed only natural that she hold a job, which she did by working at a photo shop for four years during high school.

Upon graduation she attended the University of Minnesota at Bemidji where she graduated with a degree in elementary education and met Jim, who was destined to become her husband. Her work at the reception desk and in the cafeteria during college largely precluded participation in extra-curricular activities, but as Jim points out, upon graduation she wasn’t confronted with payment of a student loan, but conversely, she had paid for her education and the University owed her for current wages.

Perk applied to “Hindy” for a job in the Whitefish school system and was accepted. Jim retired from Plum Creek, and after 31 years as a third grade teacher, Perk retired from the Columbia Falls school system.

They have one son, Jeff, and two grandchildren. Perk’s main recreational interest is golf and for many years she has been a habitué of the Whitefish Lake Golf Course. She and Jim spend winters at Lake Havasu, Ariz., where they indulge themselves in golf and swimming. Perk was a longtime volunteer at the food bank, of which she speaks in glowing terms.

She loves flowers and in addition to her own array, she has taken care of the flowers at her church for 19 years. She recalls with pleasure her years spent as a life guard at City Beach. Her love of books and reading led her to the Whitefish Community Library at which she regularly volunteers for the preparation of books for distribution.

She really enjoys the work, saying, “I’ve made friends with people I otherwise would never have met.”

She enjoys the prevailing friendly atmosphere of the library, “but especially the laughter and camaraderie of those with whom I work.” Co-workers describe her using terms as dependable, interested, quick learner, and “just an all- around good volunteer and fun person.”

Perk, your volunteerism contributes to the happiness and well-being of many of us. Because of you, our community is a better place and we thank you.

— Jake Heckathorn