Introducing CC Outstanding Senior Citizens 2026
Dee Strandlien and Rodney Rhen were named Clearwater County’s 2026 Outstanding Senior Citizens of the Year during a program Aug. 8 at the Clearwater County Fair.
The program, held at The Stage in the Pines, continued a tradition of recognizing outstanding senior citizens in the county that dates back 50 years.
The program began with Gladys Lueken of the Headwaters Quilt Guild presenting three Quilts of Valor. See Quilts of Valor in the next issue.
Dee Strandlien
Dee (Holm) Strandlien grew up on a farm in Shevlin Township with three siblings. She attended schools in the Shevlin area and graduated from Bagley High School.
She and her husband, Harlan, have been married for 70 years and continue to live on their farm in Moose Creek Township.
The couple raised four children and now have 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Dee enjoys hosting her family for holidays and special occasions, times filled with laughter and love.
Dee is an active member of Landstad Lutheran Church, where she has served and given of herself to others in a variety of ways.
Her community involvement over the years has included the County Human Services Board, Shevlin Garden Club and Clearwater County Fair Board. It was also noted during the presentation that she is among the 10 oldest living shareholder members of the fair, including All.
Dee was superintendent of the Horticulture Department the year the fair’s grandstand was destroyed by fire. She played an instrumental role in preparing a new area, putting in countless hours painting and doing whatever else was needed to have it ready for the fair.
She also served as the fair’s unofficial photographer, taking hundreds of photos and presenting the Fair Board with an album documenting fair activities each year. The albums are now housed at the Clearwater County Historical Society in Shevlin.
Dee also played a role in the history of the Outstanding Senior Citizens program.
In 1976, the Fair Board joined with the Minnesota State Board on Aging to honor senior citizens in Clearwater County. When the board did not participate in the statewide program the following year, Dee and Al, who were new to the board, asked why.
Their question resulted in the two being appointed co-chairs of the Outstanding Senior Citizens program — perhaps a lesson in knowing when, and when not, to ask questions.
Dee’s many years of service to her family, church and community were recognized as she was named Clearwater County’s 2026 Outstanding Female Senior Citizen.
Al Paulson presented Dee with the award and reflected on the program’s 50-year history.
“It is hard to believe that we have been working on this project for 50 years and to look back on the many changes that have been made to the program,” Paulson said. “The committee has presented 96 awards to honor so many people who have given so much to Clearwater County.
“Dee, I want to thank you for your years of service to the Fair Board and for serving as a co-chair of this event.”
Dee’s many years of service to her family, church and community were recognized as she was named Clearwater County’s 2026 Outstanding Female Senior Citizen.
Al Paulson was honored to present the award to Dee.
It is hard to believe that we have been working on this project for 50 years and look back on the many changes that have been made to the program and to think that the Committee has present 96 Awards to Honor so many people who have given so much to Clearwater County.
Dee, I want to Thank You for your years of service to the Fair Board and for serving as a Co-Chair on this event.
Rodney Rhen
Rodney Rhen was named Clearwater County’s 2026 Outstanding Male Senior Citizen, recognized for a lifetime of service to his community.
Rodney has dedicated countless hours to the Lake Itasca Region Pioneer Farmers. He served on its board from 2009 to 2015, worked on the nominating committee and spent many hours maintaining the organization’s buildings and grounds.
His contributions extended beyond maintenance. He organized the ticket booths for the Pioneer Farmers Show, recruited workers, worked in the booth himself and managed money during the event.
His dedication to the organization was recognized when he was named Button Honoree in 2018 and crowned King in 2021. His enjoyment of Pioneer Farmers is also evident in the collection of Ford tractors he has continually brought to the show.
Rodney served for many years on the Dudley Township Board, continuing until spring 2026. Whether clearing roads after storms, maintaining township roads or taking care of beaver dams, he was willing to do the work that needed to be done.
Through the Clearwater County Trailblazers, Rodney helped with construction of the organization’s new building in Leonard, worked on trail and bridge maintenance and volunteered during community events.
He also served nine years on the Clearwater County Historical Society Board. A bricklayer, Rodney used his skills to complete masonry work on the old gas station and old jail. He also donated the brick and built the bell monument that stands in front of the Historical Society in memory and honor of his parents and in-laws.
Rodney’s service continued at Our Savior’s Church in Leonard, where he served on the church board. His contributions ranged from snowplowing and clearing sidewalks to peeling potatoes for the meatball supper.
He is also a member of Modern Woodmen and was recognized as a community hero in 2017.
Rodney has spent a lifetime serving others without expecting anything in return. He is a devoted husband, father of three and grandfather of eight.
His granddaughter, Lisa, proudly presented him with the 2026 Outstanding Male Senior Citizen award.
Congratulations to Dee Strandlien and Rodney Rhen, Clearwater County’s 2026 Outstanding Senior Citizens of the Year.