Page 110 - Vacation Okoboji Tourist Guide 2022

exI\u000Af Duane and Willia Mueske could pick a headline for their\u000ABY BETH FRASER\u000A perience with the Iowa Great Lakes Region, it would be, \u201CDuane and Willia Love the Lakes.\u201D\u000A\u201CWhen we landed here,\u201D Willia said. \u201CIt was like a gift to us.\u201D\u000AThe Mueskes, now long- established in the lakes region and their expansive electrical business, began their journey in 1974. The couple were newly-married and just starting a family, and Duane was having challenges finding a job as an electrician after he finished school. He was offered a job in Spirit Lake for the summer and they packed up and moved here.\u000AMUESKE\u2019S MAKE A\u000A\u201COne thing led to another, and we never went home,\u201D Duane joked.\u000AThe couple rented a small farmhouse on an acreage outside of town, and after about a year working for someone else, Duane decided to go all-in and start his own electrical business. Mueske Electric Inc. was established in 1975.\u000AMueske Electric in Spirit Lake started as just a small building with a few employees and continued to expand over time to accommodate the growing business. Over the years, the Mueskes said, some customers became like family,\u000ADIFFERENCE\u000AThe fondness and kindness\u000Athe Mueskes have shown for their customers has translated over the years into a deep appreciation for the lakes-region and a desire to help where they saw a need.\u000AThe Mueskes and their business have been long-time supporters of the YMCA and Camp Foster, and believe strongly in the organization\u2019s mission, especially the focus on children and families.\u000A\u201CIt was about the children,\u201D Willia stated. \u201CThe Y has reached out to us each year, and we\u2019ve always one of the supporters of the Building Strong Kids program.\u201D\u000ADuane and Willia also gave their support to the YMCA during the spring of 2020, when memberships and funding took a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through their foundation, the Mueske Family Foundation, they offered a matching contribution challenge of $100,000. The Y did an amazing job by raising $125,000 during the challenge, and they matched those funds.\u000AThe foundation has also made donations to a variety of other organizations and causes in the area, including Lakes Regional Hospital, the HAPI (Historical Arnolds Park), and the Dickinson County Conservation Foundation. Their donations have been focused on improving the quality of life for lakes-area residents or meeting a need in the area, benefitting current residents as well as attracting newcomers to the area.\u000A Camp Foster YMCA\u000ALocated on East Okoboji Lake in Spirit Lake, Camp Foster is home to 214 beautiful acres. Founded in 1912, Camp Foster has been around for over 100 years. Equipped with\u000Aa variety of lodging, meal, and programming options, Camp Foster provides memorable experiences that last a lifetime. Learn more at campfosterymca.com.\u000A108 VACATION OKOBOJI 2022\u000A