Cheese Fest Marshals devoted careers to education at B-T

Neither Gary Olson nor Jerry Blaha are Blair natives, but both moved to the city in the 1960s when they began their careers as educators and never left.

Both Olson and Blaha were employees of the school — Blair when they were hired and Blair-Taylor when they retired — for more than 30 years. In addition to teaching, both dedicated time as coaches and athletic directors. Now both will have the honor of serving as parade marshals for the 2022 Cheese Fest parade on Sunday. 

Dave Mattison of the Cheese Fest committee nominated both, which he said it was a long time coming.

“This probably should’ve happened a while ago,” Mattison said. “They’ve done a lot for their community and especially with their roles in education. They’re always there to lend a hand.” 

A native of De Soto, Olson began teaching in Blair in 1963. He taught social studies, American government, U.S. History and geography for the district. He also served as the athletic director for 15 years and coached baseball, basketball and football at various times throughout his career with the district before retiring in 1998.

“I liked the small-town life,” Olson said. “I guess I was just content to stay here.” 

In addition to his time with the school, Olson has been involved in the Blair Sportsman’s Club as the treasurer, the Blair Lutheran Church and has been on the Blair-Preston Library board for 30 years. He also served on the Blair city council for 10 years. 

Olson said being chosen as one the marshals is an honor. 

“It came pretty much out of the blue,” Olson said. “I wasn’t even thinking about it.” 

Blaha is an Arcadia native who came to Blair in 1969 to teach physical education following graduation from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He coached the school football team “off and on” for 40 years and was the district athletic director when Blair and Taylor merged. While the merging of two schools had the potential to be hostile, Blaha said the communities came together really quickly. 

In addition to football, Blaha coached wrestling, baseball, golf and junior high basketball. He served as the athletic director  for 23 years, including 11 after he retired from teaching in 2001. The school was a main reason be stayed in Blair.

“It was a great school. The students were fantastic during my years teaching,” Blaha said. “I made a lot of friends over the years, we had a good staff and a good administration.” 

Blaha has been a member of St. Ansgar Church and was a hunter education instructor for more than 25 years. He has also dedicated time to Cheese Fest, often as part of the clean-up crew. 

Blaha sees his selection as the parade marshal similarly to Olson.

“It’s an honor, definitely,” Blaha said. “I don’t know if I’m deserving, but it’s certainly recognition from a committee that has done a lot of good things over the years for the community.” 

The parade begins on Broadway St. at 1 p.m. on Sunday, the final day of the annual celebration. 

Cheese Fest begins on Thursday with the “tapping of the golden keg” featuring Oktoberfest Singers at the fire station downtown at 6 p.m. The awards night and Miss Blair coronation takes place at the school auditorium at 7 p.m. the same night. 

A full lineup of events can be found on Page 2 of this week’s Times or at https://www.blaircheesefestival.com.