Mary Wencl, Wayne Starman named 2026 Steele County Senior Citizens of the Year

The Steele County Free Fair and Steele County Exchange Club want to congratulate Mary Wencl and Wayne Starman for being selected as the 2026 Steele County Senior Citizens of the Year.

 

Mary Wencl

Mary is married to Mike Wencl and lives on their family farm, east of Medford, where they raised their seven children. Mary also has nine grandchildren. Mary is a member of Christ the King Catholic Church of Medford where she serves as a reader and communion minister. Mary also belongs to the Court St. Anne #1820 Catholic Daughters of Medford where she has held numerous positions and is currently the Financial Secretary. 

 

Mary has been a member of the Exchange Club of Steele County since 1987. During that time Mary has served as an officer including President, and Treasurer on several committees. Mary served on committees such as Give a Kid a Flag to Wave at the Memorial Day Parade, the Straight River Day Parade in Medford, Peace Officer of the Year, One Nation Under God Breakfast, 300 Club raffle, Mother’s Day flower baskets and the VFW breakfast. Currently, Mary serves on the Division 4 committee for Exchange America 250. The Exchange Clubs for Division 4, including Medford, Moonlighters, Owatonna and Steele County Exchange Clubs, plan to erect a temporary honorary display in recognition of our Country’s 250th anniversary. 

Mary serves on the Board of Directors for the Center For Family Unity whose mission is to educate and support families and communities in the prevention of child abuse. Mary helps with events such as Santa Bowl, Golf For Kids Sake, and meat raffles at the American Legion, Eagles and Elks clubs.

 

Wayne Starman

Wayne was raised on his family farm in Summit Township in Steele County. Wayne graduated from Dodge Center, MN in 1957, and in 1958 enlisted in the National Guard and served through 1964. Wayne married his high school sweetheart, Janet Janning, and has been married for 65 years, has five children, 13 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Wayne is dedicated to his faith and parish, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where he serves on both the Parish Council and Finance Council. 

 

Wayne began his working career working for Duffy Hamren, Duffy’s Fairway grocery store in 1958. In 1980, after holding various positions within the business, Wayne purchased the store and it became Wayne’s Fairway. Wayne sold the store in 1990 to Coborn’s Inc. and in 1990 managed Cash Wise in Owatonna until he retired from management in 2005. 

 

Wayne has served in many local organizations as both a member and a leader. Wayne has been actively involved within the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism since 1980, serving as Chairman of the Board, Ambassador and continues to be engaged as a member. Wayne is a member of the AmVets, Lions Club, American Legion, Elks Club and Knights of Columbus with more than 45 years of service in many of these organizations. Wayne also serves with Steele County Honor/Color Guard, providing military honors for veterans. Wayne also served on the Owatonna Civil Service Board for nine years. 

 

Wayne has received several awards throughout his many years of service, including the Paul Harris/Vern White “Service Above Self” Award in 2022, Progressive Grocer’s Outstanding Independent Grocer of the Year, the Independent Operators Award, and the Coborn’s Incorporated Outstanding Employee of the Year 1991. 

 

Mary and Wayne will be recognized for their accomplishments on August 20th at Wenger Stage at the Steele County Free Fair at 11:15 a.m.