by Dennis Dalman
editor@thenewsleaders.com
Neil and Sandy Bueckers were stunned to learn they have become “Honorary Commodores.”
The couple, known for giving time and effort to good causes, took the stage June 25 during a break in the Sauk Rapids Ambassador Pageant (see related story).
“I was totally honored but very surprised,” Sandy told the Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader during a telephone interview. “There are so many people who deserve that award. We were very surprised to get it.”
The Bueckers were nominated by the Ambassador Pageant Board, of which Sandy used to be a member. In 2007 their daughter, Ashley, was one of the crowned princesses in the Miss Sauk Rapids pageant, which was a forerunner to the current Ambassador Pageant event. Now married, Ashley Severson and husband Gordy live in Madison, Wis.
This year Sandy had to drop her work for the Ambassador Pageant Board because her son, Matthew, is getting married in August and planning the wedding is taking a lot of work. Matthew is marrying Brittany Hemann of White Bear Lake. The couple lives in Sauk Rapids.
The Bueckers are originally from the Melrose area but have lived in Sauk Rapids for many years. Neil is a production coordinator for Huiskens Meats and a 21-year member of the Sauk Rapids Fire Department. Sandy owns and operates her own at-home beauty salon in Sauk Rapids.
Aside from being active in their church, the Bueckers have volunteered for Kids Against Hunger, Toys for Tots, local food shelves and the Ambassador Pageant. They also, along with their daughter, helped initiate Sauk Rapids’ Parade of Lights.
