Tim Ryan, tryan@wolfrivermedia.com
Leader Photo by Tim Ryan Mayor Lorna Marquardt speaks with community members at a retirement open house at City Hall on Friday.
Well-wishers and other visitors streamed through City Hall a few at a time Friday afternoon to bid farewell to Mayor Lorna Marquardt, who will end her 14-year-tenure as the city’s mayor Tuesday.
Sun Drop slushies, popcorn and fudge from Old Glory Candy were available during the three-hour open house, which drew old friends, existing and former city employees, and members of the business community.
Some longtime members of the Common Council also dropped by, including President Woody Davis.
“Definitely, we’re going to miss her,” he said. “She’s been fantastic, not only as a person but as our mayor, and what she’s done for the city over all these years. We wish her the best. She deserves it, that’s for sure.”
Davis held out high hopes for the incoming administration.
“I just hope the people that will be following her footsteps will be able to do the same types of things that she has been doing in keeping the community involved and informed about all the activities that the city needs to be discussing,” he said.
Alderman Bob Kurkiewicz has served on the council for 13 of the 14 years Marquardt has been mayor.
“Certainly Lorna has amassed a great legacy here for the community of Shawano,” he said. “She has been so good to work with, when we agreed and when we disagreed. I wish her the best in retirement.”
Lisa Bruette, the city’s administrative assistant, has been with the city for 32 years, including all of Marquardt’s time as alderperson and mayor.
“She’s going to be really, really missed,” she said. “I’m really going to miss her, because not only did she help me and mentor me here, but she was also a good ear when I had some personal issues.”