Skäl Recipient 2025: Dave Smutzler

Nordic Fest Skäl Recipient (previously flag recipient) is an individual or individuals who have demonstrated exceptional and continuing support of the Fest.

For more than three decades, Dave Smutzler has been a steadfast presence in Decorah, dedicating himself to both public service and the vibrant traditions of Nordic Fest. A native of Rushford, Minnesota, Dave arrived in Decorah in 1991, beginning a long and distinguished career with the Decorah Police Department. Over 32 years, he served in various capacities, concluding with four years as Chief of Police and as the Decorah City Liaison with the Nordic Fest Board of Directors before retiring in 2023.

Dave’s first Nordic Fest experience came in 1991, when he was a rookie police officer assigned to the overnight shift. One of his earliest responsibilities was placing ‘No Parking’ signs in the thick summer heat— an exhausting but essential task. Despite the challenges, Dave quickly grew to love the festival, volunteering for as many extra shifts as possible. Even early on, he noted how Nordic Fest transformed the town, bringing an influx of visitors, lively energy, and a feast of flavors to enjoy.

In personal interests, Dave is an avid canoer, a passion that blends seamlessly with one of his favorite Nordic Fest events – the Kanoløpet. He has not only participated in the canoe race but also claimed victories in 2008, 2010, and 2011. The other sporting events are among his Fest favorites too, along with the diverse entertainment lineup.

When Dave became Police Chief, he was invited to join the Nordic Fest Board of Directors. The opportunity provided a vital, new avenue for collaboration between law enforcement and event organizers, especially in areas like traffic control, public safety, and the restructuring of the Beverage Garden.

A true Nordic Fest enthusiast, Dave has attended nearly every Fest since 1991. His favorite treat? Lefse, hands down, with butter and sugar, always getting two rolls to enjoy both sugar variations. For Dave, Nordic Fest has always been “the great reunion”,  a time when families gather, old classmates reconnect, and the streets fill with familiar faces. Now retired, he experiences the festival from a new perspective—enjoying concerts with his family, dining downtown, and watching the parade with his grandson Pax.

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Grand Marshal 2025: Diane Ott Whealy

Nordic Fest Grand Marshal is an individual or individuals who have provided outstanding services to the Community.

Since 1975, Diane Ott Whealy has been a powerful advocate for preserving agricultural heritage and fostering community. As co-founder of Seed Savers Exchange (SSE), she has helped safeguard heirloom seeds and promote biodiversity, leaving a lasting mark on Decorah and beyond.

Diane’s journey in seed preservation began in Missouri with SSE co-founder Kent Whealy. What started with a few cherished seeds and a shared dream evolved into a globally recognized nonprofit. In 1984, Diane and her family moved SSE’s growing operations to Decorah, drawn by her childhood ties to the area and the town’s welcoming spirit. Attending Nordic Fest that summer confirmed it—Decorah was the right home.

Today, SSE is headquartered at Heritage Farm, a 900-acre sanctuary in Decorah’s Driftless Region. The farm is home to over 25,500 seed varieties, including 640 potato strains, 1,042 apple trees, and 340 grape vines. It serves as a hub for conservation, education, and community connection, offering walking trails, gardens, and a peaceful retreat for visitors.

Through Diane’s leadership, SSE has not only preserved genetic diversity but also enriched Decorah—creating jobs, attracting global visitors, and infusing the community with cultural and agricultural richness. “We did our homework and chose Decorah, and we haven’t regretted it since,” Diane says. “What started with a handful of seeds and a dream has flourished because of passion, community support, and good timing.”

Diane understands that seeds are more than biology—they’re cultural heritage. Just as her grandfather brought over seeds from Bavaria, she sees a parallel with Norwegian immigrants who brought their own varieties to Iowa. SSE has even helped return heirloom seeds to their countries of origin, reconnecting people with their agricultural roots.

Beyond her work, Diane has embraced Decorah’s traditions. A former Nordic Dancer parent, she treasures Nordic Fest—especially the parade, the dancers, and favorite foods like rømmegrøt and varme pølse. Her presence continues to strengthen the bonds between land, legacy, and local life.

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Past Skäl Recipients (previously flag recipient)

• 1982: Pastor Paul & Lois Christenson Family
• 1983: Phyllis Leseth
• 1984: Bernard White, Hawkeye Stages
• 1985: Jack & Ellie Anundsen
• 1986: Dennis Larson *
• 1987: Grant Woldum *
• 1988: Betty Hacker
• 1989: Ernest E. “Pokey Pete” Peterson
• 1990: Maggie McConnell
• 1991: Marion & Lila Nelson
• 1992: Mike & Pat Dahly
• 1993: Grace Rikansrud
• 1994: Elliot Christen
• 1995: Norma & Willis Wangsness
• 1996: Gary D. Svenson
• 1997: Jack & Marge Thompson
• 1998: Rev. Paul Hasvold
• 1999: Chuck Casterton
• 2000: Clark Goltz
• 2001: Darrell Henning
• 2002: David & Betty Nelson
• 2003: Barbara Hunt
• 2004: Gordon McMasters
• 2005: Paul & Bev Nichols
• 2006: Karla Erdman
• 2007: Lorraine “Sis” Saquitne
• 2008: Janet Thompson
• 2009: Renda Saquitne
• 2010: Dag & Sharon Rossman
• 2011: Helen Hendrickson
• 2012: Tim & Mary Kay Lynch
• 2013: Bev Christen
• 2014: Marcia Fox
• 2015: Foot-Notes on their 25th anniversary
• 2016: All past and present Nordic Fest board members with special recognition to the founding memebers.
• 2017: Sally Stromseth
• 2018: Midge Kjome
• 20 19 Jim & Ann Kephart
• 2020: NO FEST
• 2021: Steve Johnson
• 2022: Martha Griesheimer
• 2023: Sue Sander
• 2024: Jeni Holtan Grouws

Past Grand Marshals

• 1975: Governor Robert Ray
• 1976: Hub Meeds, Minnesota Vikings mascot
• 1977: Clair Kjome, Commodore of Minneapolis Acquatennial
• 1978: Chr. Sommerfelt, Norwegian Ambassador to the U.S., and Counsel General Haakon H. Storlaug “led the parade”
• 1979: Past Nordic Fest board chairpersons/presidents
• 1980: Governor Robert & Billie Ray, as well as Mayor David T. and Betty Nelson “led the parade”
• 1981: Dr. Elwin and Helen Farwell, Luther College President who retired in
• 1982
• 1982: Members of the
• 1982 Nordic Fest board
• 1983: David & Betty Nelson
• 1984: Governor Terry Branstad “led the parade”
• 1985: Laura Hoeg “Nisse lady”
• 1986: Jan Stenerud
• 1987: Grant Woldum
• 1988: Pastor Paul and Lois Christensen
• 1989: Myron Floren
• 1990: Earnet E. “Pokey Pete” Petersen
• 1991: Marion & Lila Nelson
• 1992: Ole & Lena
• 1993: Grace Rikansrud
• 1994: Nordic Dancer directors: Darv & Betty Hacker, Jon & Mary Hart, Elea Uhl, Jeanette Pilde, Paul & Lois Chstenson
• 1995: Trollheim Tur til Fots (Troll Walk) Guides
• 1996: Edith Grimstad & Larry Grimstad
• 1997: Gordon & Agnes Christianson
• 1998: Mabel White & Jack Anundsen
• 1999: Bob Usgaard
• 2000: Nordic Fest board presidents
• 2001: Lauren Singers
• 2002: Karl & Nikoline Svendsen family descendants, 100th anniversart of their immigration
• 2003: Jerry Rosholt
• 2004: Esther Miller
• 2005: Elliot & Bev Christen
• 2006: Nordic Fest founders
• 2007: Dave & Brenda Carlson
• 2008: Winneshiek County Firemen’s Association
• 2009: Mildred Jacobsen
• 2010: Kephart Family, Kephart’s Music Center, 50th year in business
• 2011: Elwin D. Farwell, H. George Anderson and Richard L. Torgerson, Luther Presidents on the Colege’s Sesquicentennial
• 2012: Bob Anderson, Raptor Resource Project
• 2013: Trails of Winneshiek & Trout Run Trail Volunteers
• 2014: Carl Homstad
• 2015: Elizabeth Lorentzen
• 2016: The entire Decorah Community for their continuous contribution and support of Nordic Fest for 50 years
• 2017: Charlie Langton
• 2018: Julie Shockey Trytten
• 2019: Ed and Joyce Epperly
• 2020: NO FEST
• 2021: Hometown Taxi
• 2022: Winneshiek County Healthcare Professionals
• 2023: Dave and Gail Judish
• 2024: Paul Scott