Announcements

Jensen Motors Celebrates 20 Years - Friday, May 22, 2009

Congratulations to Jensen Motors of New Ulm, celebrating 20 years.

Rick Jensen started selling cars at a Ford dealership in Marshall, MN in 1978 and became Sales Manager for Bob Lockwood (Lockwood Motors) in Marshall in 1982.

In 1988, Jensen partnered with Lockwood in the purchase of Heritage Autostrasse in New Ulm and changed the name to Jensen Motors, Inc. The dealership represented Olds, Pontiac, Buick, Cadillac, GMC Trucks and Bayliner boats, although Bayliner was sold to a local boat dealer in 1990. Jensen purchased Lockwood's stock in 1996 but maintains a close business relationship.

As the dealership grew, a new facility was built in 1998 just south of the original leased building. It now houses Buick, Pontiac, GMC and Cadillac. "We are fortunate to have a great staff," Jensen said.

Jensen Motors has become an integral part of New Ulm over the past 20 years. The dealership sponsored 19 Athena awards and was honored with Industry of the Year in 1999 from the New Ulm Chamber. Jensen served on the Public Utilities Commission for 10 years and also the New Ulm Economic Development Corp. His current community service includes incoming chair of the New Ulm Chamber, current chair of the Airport Commission and 15 years on the New Ulm Country Club Board. He has been a Rotarian since 1986 and coached youth baseball, pop warner football, basketball and soccer.

He and his wife, Joan, have three children: Nicole, Ben, Zack and two grandsons, Candon and Braylon. Ben is a dealership salesman and Zack, a high school junior, works in reconditioning.

William C Hirsch 1913 - 2009 - Friday, May 15, 2009

William C Hirsch of Edina died of heart failure on May 9th. He was a longtime Chrysler Dealer and Chairman of the Chrysler National Dealer Council. He is the father of John Hirsch of John Hirsch Cambridge Motors, LLC.

He is survived by his wife, Bernice; sons, William Jr. and John (Kim); grandchildren, Christine, Billy III, Heather (Joe), and Jess; Sister Betty Gustafson (Bob).

Dick Herman Get-Well Wishes - Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Dick Herman of Herman Motor Company in Luverne was seriously injured in an accident in Arizona in March. Dick was at a muffler repair shop when he fell into an oil pit and suffered a head injury. Dick is now home in Minnesota recuperating.

MADA sends wishes for his speedy recovery. If you would like to send your get well thoughts to him at his home, the address is:

1303 Northview Drive
Luverne, MN 56156

Hap Ouverson 1946 - 2009 - Friday, April 10, 2009

Hap Ouverson, age 62, of Springfield, died Wednesday, April 8, 2009, at his home in Springfield after a courageous battle with colon cancer.

Hap began working at Heintz Pontiac, Cadillac & Toyota in Mankato in 1967. He progressed his way up the ladder from clean-up work to mechanical work, sales, and finally General Sales Manager. Hap worked for Heintz until 1985, when he and wife MaryAnn purchased the GM dealership in Springfield, MN from Bud Potter, calling it Hap Ouverson Motors. He and MaryAnn worked side by side in this business for 17 years before selling to Kohls-Weelborg in 2002.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 14, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Springfield with burial at Springfield City Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, April 13, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, April 14, from 7:30-8:30 a.m. at Sturm Funeral Home in Springfield, and will continue for one hour prior to services at the church.

Condolences may be sent via e-mail to www.sturmfh.com. Memorials preferred to: St. John Lutheran Home Foundation and St. John Lutheran Church Endowment Fund.

Source: Mankato Free Press

Bill Briggs 1934-2009 - Monday, March 23, 2009

Charles William Jr. (Bill) Briggs was born on March 23, 1934 in St. Paul, son of Charles Briggs Sr. and Lois J. Briggs, and died on March 19, 2009.

Bill was the retired Chairman of the former Anderson Cadillac. He spent 52 years with the company and he received the Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award in 1981. He was very active in both business and community affairs all of his life.

He was president of the Minnersota Automobile Dealers Association in 1983. During his leadership term at MADA, he was instrumental in the creation of the MADA Foundation and a founding supporter.

He is survived by his wife Judy Van Nest Briggs and two brothers; Warren of Pensacola, FL and Edward of Escondido, CA. Also surviving are five children: Charles Briggs III (Kim) of Manhattan, MT; Betsy Briggs of Big Lake, MN; Fritz Van Nest (Alma) of San Antonio, TX; Karen McKay (Mark) of Minnetonka, MN; and Barbara Zadeh (Mohsen) of Independence, MN. There are 14 grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held in late May. Donations should be sent to American Cancer Society Research. Huber Funeral & Cremation Services Excelsior Chapel 952-474-9595 www.huberfunerals.com

Pioneer Press Obituary Guest Book

MADA TV - Insights and Updates - Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Alyssa Schlander on MADA-TV

Watch Alyssa Schlander's video updates during the legislative session. These short, insightful updates are focused on the issues important to you.