Christmastime in Valley Home! Our Valley Home Lighted Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 18. The parade will start at 6:00 pm in front of the Bonnie Gellerman Multi Purpose Room at Valley Home School. The Christmas Parade is a community event, not sponsored by any one person, but made possible by all of us coming together! We celebrate our Christmas season and the birth of baby Jesus. This year as we celebrate this joyous season, we pay tribute to one of Valley Home’s finest citizens. Our 2021 Valley Home Christmas Parade Grand Marshal is Mr. Jerry Benedix. It is truly a privilege and a great honor to pay tribute to this very special man!
The following was written by his wife, Edwina Benedix, for today’s column. Thank you Edwina!
“The Benedix family migrated from Germany to Thalheim, now called Valley Home (English translation of Thalheim) in the late 1800s, Jerry has called Valley Home, home for 88 years. He attended Valley Home School (as did his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids) he graduated from Oakdale High School in 1950.
Growing up watching and helping his Dad and Uncles (the Benedix Brothers, Richie, Shorty, Max, and Edwin “Doc”, (which was Jerry’s Dad) farming rice, Jerry along with his late brother Gene, continued farming in Valley Home for many more years, he retired in 1998.
He dedicated over 45 years to the Valley Home “All Volunteer” Fire Department, which included the 25-plus years as Chief.
Jerry is married to Edwina, with two children Cindy and Randy, four grandchildren, Bryan, Terah, Cody, and Branden, five great grandchildren, Christian, Colt, Bryce, Brylee, and Jolene, who will be born by the time this article is printed.
As one of Valley Home’s longest residents he has seen many changes, some he likes and others well, let’s just say he’s not a fan of.
Some of you know Jerry’s “signature hello” is flipping a bird, so if you’ve received this hello, know he considers you a friend and other, well he just flipped you off!”
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Immediately after the parade we will meet at the park for the singing of two beautiful Christmas carols, hot chocolate, Christmas cookies and then head home. Hopefully next year we can once again enjoy our 4-H Christmas Community Potluck Dinner together. All are encouraged to create an entry for this year’s parade (no rules ... other than be safe and in good taste); no signups ... just show up before 6pm and get in line. Let’s enjoy being together once again in Valley Home at Christmastime! We send a very special “Thank You” to our 2021 Grand Marshal Mr. Jerry Benedix.
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As always, you may contact me by email at winniemullins51@gmail.com or by telephone at 209-985-5233.
Until next time, “Happy Trails to All!”
