Ken Piechan chosen Nautical Festival Grand Marshal
Kenneth Piechan, 85, of Rogers City has been chosen as the Nautical City Festival?s Grand Parade Marshal. Piechan was born and raised in Rogers City, the son of Otto and Theresa Piechan, who were married March 15, 1914. Kenny came along July 26, 1918. ?I graduated from Rogers City High School in 1936 and attended Ferris Institute for one term,? Kenny said. ?Angeline (Montych) and I were secretly married in 1939, but our official church wedding wasn?t until January 20, 1940.?
The Piechans had four children, Beverly of Alpena, Kay of Posen, Molly of Rogers City, and a son, Lee, who died in a vehicle accident in 1977. His wife, Angeline has since passed on. Piechan is absolutely positive on all his dates and times, and is sharp as a whip.
HE WEIGHS the exact same 155 pounds he weighed back in 1944 when he was drafted into the Army, and credits some of his good health to drinking apple cider vinegar and taking flax oil since 1969. Ken has an active lifestyle, and pretty much eats whatever he wants. ?When I was drafted, I was married and had kids,? Ken reminisced. ?I was sent to New Guinea and spent six months in the hospital for jungle rot on my hands and feet.?
Ken was released in 1946 from his Army commitment, but has remained an active member of the VFW, participating in military ceremonies in both Rogers City and Posen. Ken?s nephew Stuart Lamp, wrote glowingly of his uncle Ken, in nominating him, saying, ?His service spans five decades and represents thousands of hours. He is a man who quietly served his city, county, and country.? Ken?s community service record reads like a ?who?s who? in community activities. It begins in 1943 when he was appointed PI County Commissioner of Sports. From that time, until 1966, Ken organized softball and basketball teams throughout the county.
?AT ONE TIME we formed a circuit basketball league traveling from town to town ? all just for something to do after the war,? Ken remembered. ?I played either baseball or softball from 1935 until I quit in 1966,? he said of his very active lifestyle over the years. Ken served on the Rogers City Council from 1947-48, leaving after two years, because, as he said, ?politics wasn?t my baby.? Piechan served as vice president of the RC Serviceman?s Club and participated in the construction of the new club building.
From 1947-51 he served as president of the Fraternal Order of Mine Workers. He served as player?s agent for the RC Little League from 1958-64 and was project manager for the new VFW Post in 1970-71. Ken was VFW treasurer and on the board of directors from 1971-76; was the Post Adjutant and Chaplain from 1971-81; was in the VFW Color Guard and attended 120 military funerals from 1970-2003; and served as American Veterans Post 120 Commander in 1972. Piechan was Commander and Adjutant of Disabled American Veterans from 1972-87. In 1989 Ken was inducted into the Presque Isle County Softball Hall of Fame.
?I STILL MARCH with the VFW as I have for 35 years,? Ken said proudly. ?You know, I?m the first one out on the golf course in the spring and the last one off in the fall ? I last golfed December 21! ?I?m in pretty good physical shape ? for my age ? I?ve been shooting hoops at the Grambau gym every year, until I gave it up last year,? Ken said. ?The kids used to run around chasing me,? he chuckled. Ken has been living at Hilltop Manor for 11 years now, since May 1, 1993, as he recalls. He probably
?Probably all the grandkids and kids will be there yelling, ?Hey Gramps!? just like they always are,? he said, looking forward to the special day. Ken always looks forward, only back for pleasant memories of a long life well-lived. Folks may greet Ken during the Grand Parade Sunday, August 8 at 1 p.m.