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.
MARCIA PLEISS
Board Member
I moved to New Prague alittle over 30 years ago. Immediately I felt that this is where I belong. Being an old soul, the history and the people of my town made me want to learn more. I am 50% Bohemian and I wear that badge proudly. I am willing to roll up my sleeves and work with others in order that our past will not be forgotten.
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.
LIZA MEYER-
MALKERSON
Board Member
I love learning about history and believe that it is important to understand and celebrate our past, as it impacts our present and our future. I especially enjoy family history, and have done quite a bit of research on my family over the years. I also love giving back, and appreciate the opportunity to combine my love of history with helping to preserve & share the history of the New Prague area. While I recently moved to New Prague, I grew up visiting my grandparents on our family farm in Shakopee, and fell in love with the Minnesota River Valley and the surrounding farms and communities.
DONNA (NOVOTNY)
SCHUMACHER
Board Member
I have lived in the New Prague area my entire life. I’m married and have one son and daughter-in-law. The New Prague area has fascinated me, because most of my ancestors settled around here after they emigrated from Czechoslovakia. I feel it’s important to preserve our history for future generations.
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!
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.
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.