Kliethermes nominated for grand marshal based on community involvement


Good Shepherd Food Pantry Director Edna Kliethermes kept the facility going through a very tough year as the COVID-19 pandemic threatened many families, and it was her leadership and community involvement that led to a nomination as a candidate to serve as this year’s grand marshal in the Linn Lions Christmas Parade to be held Dec. 12.
“Edna is the perfect choice for grand marshal of the Linn Lions Christmas Parade,” a nominator wrote. “She spends countless hours as the director of the food pantry, ensuring Osage County residents — young, old, and everyone in-between — do not go hungry. As the COVID epidemic shuttered many businesses, Edna continued to work alongside the volunteers to make sure those who needed the pantry could access it.”
Kliethermes had to change procedures because of COVID. “Thanks to her thinking outside the box, we now set up our clothing room outside each Wednesday and Thursday, weather permitting, so patrons still have access to clothing and household items,” the nominator continued. “This has been important with winter coming as many people are asking for coats, hats, and gloves.”
When asked how she felt about being nominated, Kliethermes said, “I do no more good than a great deal of other people and they deserve so much recognition. It is truly an honor to be nominated.”
Kliethermes, 70, said she doesn’t believe anyone can reach that age and not have great faith, better or worse times, and highs and lows in their life.
Kliethermes has never strayed far from Osage County, always living no more than two miles from the home in which she was raised. “I do like to travel but I always want to come back to Osage County,” she said.
Kliethermes and her late husband, Dave, raised four children, and she said all of them are wonderful members of the working force. She also has three daughters-in-law, a son-in-law, and nine grandchildren.
“They are truly a blessing in every letter of the word,” Kliethermes said.
She worked for more than 40 years with the Missouri Division of Employment Security, retiring in 2007. Kliethermes began volunteering at the Good Shepherd Food Pantry the same week she retired from the state because she wanted to keep busy.
“Paula Helle was the manager at the time I started, and if you ever needed a mentor, she’s the person you should go to,” said Kliethermes.
When Helle left to take a full-time job with the county, Kliethermes was asked to be the manager.
She said the work is always there, and 40 hours a week isn’t enough to get it all done, between completing the required paperwork for the Central Missouri Food Bank in Columbia and the Department of Agriculture, sorting clothes, ordering and sorting food, and paying the bills.
“However, the volunteers that come in on Wednesday and Thursday are the best people to be around,” Kliethermes said, adding they are always willing to help and will do whatever needs to be done.
She added that citizens, churches, schools, and organizations of Osage County are the best people in the world. "Always giving, compassionate, and caring for those less fortunate has always been their motto," said Kliethermes. "They truly are the unsung heroes of the world.”
Kliethermes also owns and operates Quilts and More Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday afternoons and Saturday morning. She quipped that if keeping busy leads to longevity, she might live to be 120, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“If you are blessed with a strong faith, amazing children, and in-laws, as well as having grandchildren, you have heaven on earth,” she said.
Each finalist will choose a local charity and will raise money in jars at Dave’s Pizza & Wings, Legends Bank East, Mid America Bank, Legends Bank West, and Linn Thriftway until Dec. 6. Each jar will have the candidate’s name on it and a sign will explain the process, the applicants and their charity.
The candidate with the most "votes,” or donations, will be the parade grand marshal and monies raised will be presented to charities during Christmas on Main Street activities.
Kliethermes has selected the Good Shepherd Food Pantry as her charity.