
BIG LAKE LIONS Founders on left Norm Leslie and Bob Noble with their first recruits 44 years ago Gene Earney & Chuck Martinson display the award pins they’ve earned. All four have served as president at least once.

BIG LAKE LIONS past presidents Scott Johnson & Debbie Johnson on left along with Gina Wolbeck, founder Norm Leslie, founder Bob Noble & Irv Danielowski reminiscence about their experiences with the Lions. (Photos By Gloria Vande Brake)

BIG LAKE LIONS members (left) Tim Suchy, past president Gene Earney, Bill Blackhurst and Paul Knier enjoy serving the community.

BIG LAKE LIONS (left) Paul Knier, Dennis Wolbeck, President Brian Levanduski, Chuck Martinson, Scott Johnson & Debbie Johnson share their involvement. The original charter is on the table.

THE LIONS SHOWED UP for a top zone award for their giving the most to the community in 1975-76. Some of the Lions included (front from left) Chuck Martinson, Bob Noble, Norm Leslie, Ed Mancuso. Middle, Bud Roberts, Clete O’Dowd, Bob Jones. Back, Marlin Olson, Ron Bolin, Denny Wold, Harley Lindsey, Gene Earney and Al Luthens. (Submitted Photo)
“We Serve” is the banner of the Lions and in November the Big Lake Lions will be celebrating 46 years of service to the community and the world.
Two founding members are still active with the Lions: Norm Leslie and Bob Noble. “I’m touched when I hear about the people that we help with our vision, hearing and diabetes programs. We also give out a large number of scholarships to high school graduates, including some to trade schools,” Leslie stated.
Current president and five-year member Brian Levanduski added, “We also provide disaster relief with meals, gift cards and hotel stays. I joined five years ago when the JCs closed and the Lions took back the fishing contest.”
Leslie served on the first board when they started with 20 members. He and Noble have both served as president twice.
The Lions have donated $40,000 to their projects in the last couple of years including Boy Scouts, the Big Lake Community Food Shelf, the fire department, various school and community projects and Christmas baskets. With no paid staff, all profits from their fundraisers are granted back to their programs.
Gene Earney and Chuck Martinson joined within the first two years of the fledging club. “I just moved to Big Lake and was one of the first recruits,” Martinson noted.
The late Bill Middlestadt was the first President and founding member. Within a couple of years the members started new Lions chapters in Becker and Monticello.
Lions International is over 100 years old and is the largest humanitarian organization in the world with 1.4 million volunteers. The Elk Rivers Lions was Big Lake’s sponsor.
“I’ve been a member for 35 years and I truly appreciate all the leaders and volunteers and the time they contribute,” noted Irv Danielowski.
Lions sponsored Spud Fest for 15 years under the leadership of Bob Fischer until the mid-1990s when it became its own non-profit organization. The members continue to volunteer every summer in the beer tent, potato pancake breakfast and set-up and take-down.
Big Lake Lioness Club began in 1983 and is still going on today. Women were allowed to join Lions in 1989.
In the late 1980- early 90s the Lions purchased 32 acres of land and developed their park. In 1992 it was donated to Big Lake Township as the international organization doesn’t allow clubs to own property. They received a 99-year lease to hold both the Lions and Lioness meetings at Big Lake Township’s Lions Park.
While Big Lake Township maintains the park, the Lions contribute playground equipment and other improvements to the fields and the dog parks.
One of their first projects was the ice fishing contest which they sponsor annually in February. They sponsor breakfasts, a fish fry in late winter and a golf tournament in July to raise funds for their projects.
“I enjoy being a Lion. I like associating with people who live to help others and who are committed to making their community a better place.” declared Paul Knier who joined a year ago.
Tim Suchy said he joined five years ago so he “could do his part being involved and helping out.”
Noble and Leslie would like to see more people involved in their 31-member club, which includes five women. Noble added, “we used to have our own softball team in our earlier years.”
Debbie Johnson grew up with the Lions as she was 13 years old when her dad Norm Leslie was the board. She and Scott Johnson joined eight years ago when “we became empty nesters. We want to see more women and couples join us!” They have both served as president.
Martinson added, “Members have a real opportunity for leadership growth, locally and regional. We help people at the grassroots level. It’s also a great way to get to know others!”
Bill Blackhurst of Boy Scouts joined a year ago because Lions is a worthwhile organization. “They help Eagle Scouts with their projects and they give to worthy causes.”
Gina and Dennis Wolbeck joined Lions one and a half years ago when their children were grown. “We stopped at their booth at the Big Lake Chamber’s Community/Expo Fair and decided to join!” reported Gina.
“It is fun to be involved. It is especially enjoyable to make a difference in lives of other people. And that is what the Lions do.” concluded Knier.