At the heart of this year’s Heritage Days celebration are longtime residents Paul and Lorie Billehus, named the 2025 Heritage Days Grand Marshals. The announcement at the annual Starbuck Chamber Dinner this past January recognized the couple’s decades of dedication to the community they’ve always called home.

A Legacy of Service

Married since 1957, Paul and Lorie Billehus have been integral to Starbuck’s growth, service, and sense of togetherness for over six decades.

Lorie began her career as a teacher at Starbuck Elementary before earning a master’s degree in special education and moving into administration. Even now, at age 89, she continues to serve as secretary and treasurer of the Starbuck Depot Society — a role she has held since the organization’s founding in 1986. Lorie was one of three society founders, along with Dorie Pederson and Bruce Bastin, and played a vital role in saving the historic depot by organizing and sustaining volunteer efforts.

Her contributions extend even further. She’s been an active member of the Starbuck General Federation of Women, which works to enhance the community, and she has also served the Minnewaska Lutheran Home. “One big project that I am very proud of is our work on the Starbuck city beach house,” Lorie said. “Our organization cleaned, painted, and brought it back to life.”

Paul’s roots in Starbuck run just as deep. Raised on his family’s century-old farm, he began farming during his senior year of high school — renting land and keeping up with coursework, missing only 30 days of school that year. His commitment to the community includes serving on the Starbuck School Board and extensive fundraising efforts for Shriners Hospitals for Children through his longtime involvement with the Shriners. He also spent many years as part of the town’s informal “Card Room” group, a gathering of locals who met regularly to play cards and talk about town happenings.

Paul and Lorie have been active members of Fron Lutheran Church for over 70 years. Lorie once taught Sunday school while Paul served on the church board. Their lifelong faith has served as a foundation for their service and involvement in the community.

Reflections on Being Named 

Grand Marshals

For the Billehuses, the honor of being chosen as Grand Marshals was a surprise. “It was a shock,” said Lorie. Paul added, “It is quite an honor and very humbling.” The couple has been part of every Heritage Days celebration since its start providing many wonderful memories throughout the years.

Paul fondly remembers the Starbuck Open and the banquet that followed as one of the celebration’s highlights. “My favorite was the Starbuck Open followed by the banquet. That was when you could see friends who returned for the weekend and enjoy the current friends who live in the area,” he said. “It was like one big family reunion — the connections and reconnecting were the best part.” “Many people made it a point to come home for Heritage Days,” Lorie added.

Both emphasized the emotional impact and community strength these celebrations bring. “It brings back memories — it gives you opportunities for laughter, sharing, and enjoying friends new and old, and also remembering those who are no longer with us,” Paul said. “Celebrations like this help shape our lives — they help us remember our roots and where we come from,” commented Lorie.

Wisdom for Future Generations

When asked what advice they would give to younger generations carrying on the Heritage Days tradition, Lorie said,  “Keep in touch with your old friends.” Paul echoed her sentiment, saying, “People grow up, and life changes, but it is important to remember where you grew up and come back to your town family.”

As Grand Marshals of the 2025 Starbuck Heritage Days, Paul and Lorie Billehus exemplify the spirit of community, continuity, and dedication. Their story is not only one of service but also love — for their hometown, for their neighbors, and for the traditions that make Starbuck feel like home.

It’s that same spirit of togetherness and tradition that comes alive each year during Starbuck’s Heritage Days celebration.