Jerry Wilson named Grand Marshal of NBHF Parade

CRESCO - Names were thrown around. Many names.

And then the name was mentioned, and the decision was unanimous! Jerry Wilson was chosen to be the Grand Marshal of the Norman Borlaug Harvest Fest parade on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 4:30 p.m.

Many times, when the nominating committee of any parade is searching for a candidate, they look to those who have maybe started to slow down on their volunteerism. But Wilson seems to be like the Energizer Bunny. He keeps going and going and going.

He does admit he has slowed down some, but that’s hard to believe with the long list of organizations he has been associated with and many he still is active.

Those groups include 4-H (leader for eight years), City Planning & Zoning Commission (10), Country Club Board of Directors (two), CIDC Board (10), Kiwanis (member since 1975, serving as president and secretary for several years), National Chester White Record Association (president and board of directors), Iowa Chester White Breeders Association (Secretary for 15 years) Iowa Pork Producers Board of Directors, Howard County Pork Producers Association (president for several years), Cresco Bank & Trust Director (25), Iowa Rural Young People (Statewide young adult group vice-president), Howard County Farm Bureau (president and board of directors for two years) and Notre Dame Church Council (two). 

That is his volunteerism. He has also exhibited pure bred Chester White hogs at Iowa and Minnesota State Fairs and local and county shows. Some of those hogs were shipped to Canada, Mexico, Taiwan and Japan.

Whew! That’s a list, and there are more organizations he has helped out, but not in a member or officer capacity.

Part of Wilson’s desire to help out and volunteer is his love of the area. He was born and raised in Cresco. His wife, Belva, passed away a year ago. “We were married for 62 years. That’s a lot of ‘Yes, dears,’” he smiled. (Don’t worry, ladies. He was scolded after that remark.)

Wilson attributed his ability to volunteer to his wife. “She was right at my side. I sure didn’t do it by myself!”

He and Belva enjoyed golf, tennis and traveling together. Wilson is also a member of the local pickleball club, along with 20-30 others. “I like to beat up on them,” he laughed!

He was sort of tricked into agreeing to be the grand marshal.

“[Chamber Director Jason Passmore] called me into his office. Kiwanis helps sponsor the teacher’s luncheon, so that’s what I thought we were talking about. Then he threw in ‘Would you consider being grand marshal?’” 

Although he admitted he would rather be in the background, and he thought there were others more worthy, he agreed to  be grand marshal.

“Most husbands, whether they admit it or not, know that it is the wives who make or break you. I wish she was here to ride with me.”