MEET OUR BOARD MEMBERS
FRED SIMON
President
My wife, Karen Steinhoff and I live just outside of New Prague. I worked at Chart Industries for 34 years in Manufacturing Engineering and Human Resources. I am enjoying retirement and dedicate my time at the Peace Center and at Mala Strana as a Certified Ombudsman Volunteer.
KELSEY(BECKER)WEINANDT
Secretary
I grew up and currently reside in New Prague. I enjoy learning about the history of New Prague and the surrounding area. To me, it is fascinating to take in the progression of our community through stories from local individuals, as well as photographs and artifacts from the past.
DENNIS DVORAK
Board Member
My interest in local history began as chairman of New Prague's National Bi-Centennial Celebration in 1976. In 1981, our group formed the New Prague Area Historical Society. I have a keen interest in recording stories and preserving New Prague's history. My ultimate goal has been to instill a sense of pride and understanding the history of New Prague and surrounding communities.
KRISTIN (FRANEK) SCHROERS
Vice President
I'm a RN and my husband and I have four children. Discovering and preserving the history of our community is a passion of mine. I enjoy sharing these stories of the bygone era with fellow historians.
BRUCE WOLF
Treasurer
I grew up on a dairy farm outside of New Prague. My wife Becky raised our four children in town. I am a retired Community Bank President. Preserving and promoting our local history helps us to build upon our past and strengthen the fabric of our community.
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Tom Handrich
Board Member
Although I now live in Shakopee, I lived in New Prague in the 1970’s and 80’s. I still have friends in New Prague, my children went to school in New Prague I do business in New Prague and occasionally worship there. I am now retired and my wife Alice and I have five children and six grandchildren. I have a deep appreciation for history (my Mother was a history teacher) and genealogy and am curious to know all that I can about New Prague and the surrounding area.
TASHA (TOPKA)
KALLAL
Board Member
I grew up in New Prague. Like many, I moved away, married, started a family and found my way back home. I value my deep roots and our community's rich history. Preserving memories of those who trudged the way is important to me. Documenting who we are as a group today is also important. We are Living History!
OPEN POSITION
Board Member
Do you love history? Would you like to share that passion with our community? Reach out us to learn more about becoming a board member!
TIM HEINEN
Board Member
I have recently retired from a Sales and Marketing Career with Trane Corporation.
My wife Sheila and I came to New Prague in 1977 and raised our 3 children here, so we have a deep appreciation for the quality of our Churches and Schools as well as all the great traditions that make up our Community.
My Great Grandfather came to New Prague and started a business in the late 1880’s and both my Grandfather & Father grew up here, so the Historical Society has been most helpful in my research. We have been blessed to live in a great community built by so many fine hard working people and I believe that preserving their legacy and Bringing History Alive for future generations is both an honor and our responsibility.
TOM VANASEK
Board Member
I grew up in New Prague. After raising our family in Lakeville, my wife Meg and I moved back to the New Prague area a few years ago. Our community has a very rich history and it is important to document and promote it.